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Optimal initial donor selection for the synthetic control method

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  • Cerulli, Giovanni

Abstract

This paper argues that the performance of the Synthetic Control Method (SCM) can depend on the initial set of control units (donors) due to a bias–variance trade-off. A forward stepwise selection algorithm, validated via cross-validation, may reduce prediction error by suggesting to use fewer donors.

Suggested Citation

  • Cerulli, Giovanni, 2024. "Optimal initial donor selection for the synthetic control method," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 244(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolet:v:244:y:2024:i:c:s0165176524004609
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econlet.2024.111976
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alberto Abadie & Javier Gardeazabal, 2003. "The Economic Costs of Conflict: A Case Study of the Basque Country," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 93(1), pages 113-132, March.
    2. Shi, Zhentao & Huang, Jingyi, 2023. "Forward-selected panel data approach for program evaluation," Journal of Econometrics, Elsevier, vol. 234(2), pages 512-535.
    3. Alberto Abadie, 2021. "Using Synthetic Controls: Feasibility, Data Requirements, and Methodological Aspects," Journal of Economic Literature, American Economic Association, vol. 59(2), pages 391-425, June.
    4. Abadie, Alberto & Diamond, Alexis & Hainmueller, Jens, 2010. "Synthetic Control Methods for Comparative Case Studies: Estimating the Effect of California’s Tobacco Control Program," Journal of the American Statistical Association, American Statistical Association, vol. 105(490), pages 493-505.
    5. Alberto Abadie & Jérémy L’Hour, 2021. "A Penalized Synthetic Control Estimator for Disaggregated Data," Journal of the American Statistical Association, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 116(536), pages 1817-1834, October.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Synthetic control method; Machine learning; Program evaluation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C01 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - General - - - Econometrics
    • C52 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Model Evaluation, Validation, and Selection
    • C14 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Semiparametric and Nonparametric Methods: General

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