Comparative change panel preparation

Align repeated measurements and covariates

Panels follow the same units; repeated cross-sections may contain different people. Both require comparable outcomes and attention to composition changes. Do not control automatically for variables affected by treatment.

Flow diagram

Comparative change panel preparationF1.S1Define panel or repeated samplesF1.S2Align outcomes and calendar periodsF1.S3Map covariates before treatmentF1.S4Assess attrition and compositionF1.S5Freeze panel definitionsF1.N1Panel construction rulesElementDefinitionTime anchorMissingnessWeightingUnit IDOutcomeTreatmenttimingCovariatesCompositionF1.N2Assumptions and rationaleF1.N3Method and protocol evidenceF1.S0 Start flowComparative change panel preparationF1.S999 End flowEnd flow

Steps

Define panel or repeated samples

Distinguish repeated units from repeated cross-sectional observations.

Align outcomes and calendar periods

Ensure comparable measurements and treatment timing.

Map covariates before treatment

Avoid conditioning on variables affected by intervention unless justified.

Assess attrition and composition

Track missing units, changing populations and denominator shifts.

Freeze panel definitions

Version balanced/unbalanced inclusion, sampling weights and derived variables.

Comparative change panel preparation

End flow

Tables and supporting information

Panel construction rules

Panel construction rulesElementDefinitionTime anchorMissingnessWeightingUnit IDOutcomeTreatmenttimingCovariatesComposition

Keep unit, time and adoption cohort definitions explicit.

Assumptions and rationale

Changing sample composition or outcome definitions may invalidate comparative changes even when calendar periods align.

Method and protocol evidence

Attach the protocol, methodological sources and versioned software specification supporting these decisions. Record citations and provenance; do not enter participant identifiers.

Sources