A WORKSHOP FOR UNDERSTANDING AND USING INSTRUMENT-FREE METHODS: WHEN THE GAUSSIAN COPULA WORKS, CRACKS, AND A NEW METHOD FOR TAKING UP THE PIECES
(A2026-132739)

AUTHORS

Florian Dost, Brandenburg University of Technology; Rouven Haschka, Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität Kaiserslautern-Landau

ABSTRACT

Endogeneity undermines causal inference in marketing research. Traditional fixes need valid instrumental variables, which are often difficult to find. Copula-based methods provide a promising instrument-free alternative. This hands-on workshop, designed for applied researchers, authors, and reviewers, delivers a well-rounded understanding, a code library for recent advances, and concrete guidance. We diagnose common omitted-variable cases where copulas fail and present an alternative method that handles them—also with code. Participants follow a complete workflow: assessing when which method suits their context, choosing the right method, coding and integrating it into models, and drafting manuscript sections on testable and untestable assumptions.