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Unconditional Quantile Regressions

Author

Listed:
  • SErgio Firpo

    (Department of Economics PUC-Rio)

  • Nicole M. Fortin

    (University of British Columbia)

  • Thomas Lemieux

    (University of British Columbia)

Abstract

We propose a new regression method to estimate the impact of explanatory variables on quantiles of the unconditional distribution of an outcome variable. The proposed method consists of running a regression of the (recentered) influence function (RIF) of the unconditional quantile on the explanatory variables. The influence function is a widely used tool in robust estimation that can easily be computed for each quantile of interest. We show how standard partial effects, as well as policy effects, can be estimated using our regression approach. We propose three different regression estimators based on a standard OLS regression (RIFOLS), a Logit regression (RIF-Logit), and a nonparametric Logit regression (RIFNP). We also discuss how our approach can be generalized to other distributional statistics besides quantiles.

Suggested Citation

  • SErgio Firpo & Nicole M. Fortin & Thomas Lemieux, 2006. "Unconditional Quantile Regressions," Textos para discussão 533, Department of Economics PUC-Rio (Brazil).
  • Handle: RePEc:rio:texdis:533
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Influence Functions; Unconditional Quantile; Quantile Regressions.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C14 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Semiparametric and Nonparametric Methods: General
    • C21 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models
    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials

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