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Beyond Plausibly Exogenous

Author

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  • Hans (J.L.W.) van Kippersluis

    (Erasmus School of Economics, The Netherlands; Tinbergen Institute, The Netherlands)

  • Niels (C.A.) Rietveld

    (Erasmus School of Economics, The Netherlands)

Abstract

We synthesize two recent advances in the literature on instrumental variables (IVs) estimation that test and relax the exclusion restriction. Our approach first estimates the direct effect of the IV on the outcome in a subsample for which the IV does not affect the treatment variable. Subsequently, this estimate for the direct effect is used as input for the plausibly exogenous method developed by Conley, Hansen and Rossi (2012). This two-step procedure provides a novel and informed sensitivity analysis for IV estimation. We illustrate the practical use by estimating the causal effect of (i) attending Catholic high school on schooling outcomes, and (ii) the number of children on female labour supply.

Suggested Citation

  • Hans (J.L.W.) van Kippersluis & Niels (C.A.) Rietveld, 2017. "Beyond Plausibly Exogenous," Tinbergen Institute Discussion Papers 17-096/V, Tinbergen Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:tin:wpaper:20170096
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Instrumental variables; plausibly exogenous; exclusion restriction;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C18 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Methodolical Issues: General
    • C26 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Instrumental Variables (IV) Estimation
    • J20 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - General

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