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Double machine learning combines Neyman orthogonality with cross-fitting to estimate a low-dimensional statistical parameter while using machine learning for nuisance functions. Orthogonality means that the expected estimating score has zero first derivative with respect to nuisance perturbations at the truth. Small nuisance errors therefore affect the target equation only at second order, under the required smoothness assumptions. cross-fitting separately limits overfitting effects by evaluating scores on observations excluded from their nuisance training.

For the augmented inverse-probability-weighted estimator, a typical sufficient condition istogether with nuisance consistency, suitable moments and treatment probabilities bounded away from zero and one. Each error being $o_p(n^{-1/4})$ is sufficient for this product condition, but one may converge more slowly if the other converges faster. Under the full regularity conditions the target estimate has asymptotic normality at scale $n^{-1/2}$, enabling confidence intervals. Machine learning prediction accuracy alone does not supply these assumptions or Causal identification.^[ref]

Victor Chernozhukov works on econometrics and statistical inference with machine learning. With Alexandre Belloni and Lie Wang, he developed the Square-root Lasso, whose penalty calibration does not require knowing the noise scale.^[ref]

He also coauthored work on double machine learning. Predicting an outcome accurately does not by itself estimate a causal effect accurately: errors in fitted nuisance functions can bias the target parameter. An orthogonal estimating equation reduces first-order sensitivity to those errors, while cross-fitting separates training observations from score evaluation. Valid confidence intervals still require the paper's identification and convergence assumptions.^[ref]