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Model selection in utility-maximizing binary prediction

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  • Su, Jiun-Hua

Abstract

The maximum utility estimation proposed by Elliott and Lieli (2013) can be viewed as cost-sensitive binary classification; thus, its in-sample overfitting issue is similar to that of perceptron learning. A utility-maximizing prediction rule (UMPR) is constructed to alleviate the in-sample overfitting of the maximum utility estimation. We establish non-asymptotic upper bounds on the difference between the maximal expected utility and the generalized expected utility of the UMPR. Simulation results show that the UMPR with an appropriate data-dependent penalty achieves larger generalized expected utility than common estimators in the binary classification if the conditional probability of the binary outcome is misspecified.

Suggested Citation

  • Su, Jiun-Hua, 2021. "Model selection in utility-maximizing binary prediction," Journal of Econometrics, Elsevier, vol. 223(1), pages 96-124.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:econom:v:223:y:2021:i:1:p:96-124
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jeconom.2020.07.052
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Decision-based binary prediction; Maximum utility estimation; Model selection; Structural risk minimization; Perceptron learning;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C14 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Semiparametric and Nonparametric Methods: General
    • C45 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods: Special Topics - - - Neural Networks and Related Topics
    • C52 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Model Evaluation, Validation, and Selection
    • C53 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Forecasting and Prediction Models; Simulation Methods

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