Spatial confounding is a persistent challenge in spatial statistics, influencing the validity of statistical inference in models that analyze spatially structured data.The concept of spatial confounding has been interpreted in various ways in the literature but is broadly defined as bias in estimates arising from unmeasured spatial variation. When this spatial variation follows specific structures, standard spatial models may fail to fully mitigate the bias.This thesis provides a comprehensive review of spatial confounding, exploring its multiple definitions, classical spatial models, and recent methodological advances. We examine traditional approaches such as spatial lag model and spatial filtering, alongside modern methods like tGMRF, spectral adjustments, and machine-learning-based solutions. Additionally, the thesis addresses spatial confounding from a causal inference perspective, integrating methods like propensity score splines, generalized structural equation models, and spatial+ approaches. Through simulation studies using real and synthetic data, we evaluate the effectiveness of existing methods and bridge different conceptualizations of spatial confounding. The insights provided serve as a foundation for advancing statistical methodologies in spatial data analysis and as a cornerstone for further research.
Quando e Onde:
21 de fevereiro de 2025, às 11h, no Auditório 317.