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Embrace the Noise: It Is OK to Ignore Measurement Error in a Covariate, Sometimes

Author

Listed:
  • Dong, Hao

    (Southern Methodist University)

  • Millimet, Daniel L.

    (Southern Methodist University)

Abstract

In linear regression models, measurement error in a covariate causes Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) to be biased and inconsistent. Instrumental Variables (IV) is a common solution. While IV is also biased, it is consistent. Here, we undertake an asymptotic comparison of OLS and IV in the case where a covariate is mismeasured for [Nδ] of N observations with δ ∊ [0, 1]. We show that OLS is consistent for δ

Suggested Citation

  • Dong, Hao & Millimet, Daniel L., 2023. "Embrace the Noise: It Is OK to Ignore Measurement Error in a Covariate, Sometimes," IZA Discussion Papers 16508, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp16508
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    errors-in-variables; measurement error; asymptotics;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C13 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Estimation: General
    • C26 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Instrumental Variables (IV) Estimation
    • C52 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Model Evaluation, Validation, and Selection

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