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The Influence Function of Semiparametric Estimators

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  • Hidehiko Ichimura

    (Faculty of Economics, The University of Tokyo)

  • Whitney K. Newey

    (Department of Economics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

Abstract

Often semiparametric estimators are asymptotically equivalent to a sample average. The object being averaged is referred to as the influence function. The influence function is useful in formulating primitive regularity conditions for asymptotic normality, in efficiency comparisons, for bias reduction, and for analyzing robustness. We show that the influence function of a semiparametric estimator can be calculated as the limit of the Gateaux derivative of a parameter with respect to a smooth deviation as the deviation approaches a point mass. We also consider high level and primitive regularity conditions for validity of the influence function calculation. The conditions involve Frechet differentiability, nonparametric convergence rates, stochastic equicontinuity, and small bias conditions. We apply these results to examples. --

Suggested Citation

  • Hidehiko Ichimura & Whitney K. Newey, 2015. "The Influence Function of Semiparametric Estimators," CIRJE F-Series CIRJE-F-985, CIRJE, Faculty of Economics, University of Tokyo.
    • Handle: RePEc:tky:fseres:2015cf985
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C13 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Estimation: General
    • C14 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Semiparametric and Nonparametric Methods: General
    • C20 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - General
    • C26 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Instrumental Variables (IV) Estimation
    • C36 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Instrumental Variables (IV) Estimation

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