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A robust instrumental-variables estimator

Author

Listed:
  • Rodolphe Desbordes

    (University of Strathclyde)

  • Vincenzo Verardi

    (University of Namur)

Abstract

The classical instrumental-variables estimator is extremely sensitive to the presence of outliers in the sample. This is a concern because outliers can strongly distort the estimated effect of a given regressor on the dependent variable. Although outlier diagnostics exist, they frequently fail to detect atypical observations because they are themselves based on nonrobust (to outliers) estimators. Furthermore, they do not take into account the combined influence of outliers in the first and second stages of the instrumental-variables estimator. In this article, we present a robust instrumental-variables estimator, initially proposed by Cohen Freue, Ortiz-Molina, and Zamar (2011, Working paper: http://www.stat.ubc.ca/˜ruben/website/cv/cohen-zamar.pdf ), that we have programmed in Stata and made available via the robivreg command. We have improved on their estimator in two different ways. First, we use a weighting scheme that makes our estimator more efficient and allows the computations of the usual identification and overidentifying restrictions tests. Second, we implement a generalized Hausman test for the presence of outliers. Copyright 2012 by StataCorp LP.

Suggested Citation

  • Rodolphe Desbordes & Vincenzo Verardi, 2012. "A robust instrumental-variables estimator," Stata Journal, StataCorp LLC, vol. 12(2), pages 169-181, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:tsj:stataj:v:12:y:2012:i:2:p:169-181
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Christopher F Baum & Mark E. Schaffer & Steven Stillman, 2007. "Enhanced routines for instrumental variables/generalized method of moments estimation and testing," Stata Journal, StataCorp LLC, vol. 7(4), pages 465-506, December.
    2. Vincenzo Verardi & Catherine Dehon, 2010. "Multivariate outlier detection in Stata," Stata Journal, StataCorp LLC, vol. 10(2), pages 259-266, June.
    3. Vincenzo Verardi & Alice McCathie, 2012. "The S-estimator of multivariate location and scatter in Stata," Stata Journal, StataCorp LLC, vol. 12(2), pages 299-307, June.
    4. Vincenzo Verardi & Christophe Croux, 2009. "Robust regression in Stata," Stata Journal, StataCorp LLC, vol. 9(3), pages 439-453, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Grundke, Robert & Moser, Christoph, 2019. "Hidden protectionism? Evidence from non-tariff barriers to trade in the United States," Journal of International Economics, Elsevier, vol. 117(C), pages 143-157.
    2. repec:cep:stiecm:/2014/572 is not listed on IDEAS
    3. Lorenzo Camponovo & Taisuke Otsu, 2015. "Robustness of Bootstrap in Instrumental Variable Regression," Econometric Reviews, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 34(3), pages 352-393, March.
    4. Darwin Ugarte Ontiveros & Vincenzo Verardi, 2012. "Supposedly Strong Instruments and Good Leverage Points," Working Papers 1203, University of Namur, Department of Economics.
    5. Cuadros-Meñaca, Andres, 2020. "Remittances, health insurance, and pension contributions: Evidence from Colombia," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 127(C).

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