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Identification and Estimation of a Partially Linear Regression Model Using Network Data

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  • Eric Auerbach

Abstract

I study a regression model in which one covariate is an unknown function of a latent driver of link formation in a network. Rather than specify and fit a parametric network formation model, I introduce a new method based on matching pairs of agents with similar columns of the squared adjacency matrix, the ijth entry of which contains the number of other agents linked to both agents i and j. The intuition behind this approach is that for a large class of network formation models the columns of the squared adjacency matrix characterize all of the identifiable information about individual linking behavior. In this paper, I describe the model, formalize this intuition, and provide consistent estimators for the parameters of the regression model.

Suggested Citation

  • Eric Auerbach, 2022. "Identification and Estimation of a Partially Linear Regression Model Using Network Data," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 90(1), pages 347-365, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:emetrp:v:90:y:2022:i:1:p:347-365
    DOI: 10.3982/ECTA19794
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sacerdote, Bruce, 2011. "Peer Effects in Education: How Might They Work, How Big Are They and How Much Do We Know Thus Far?," Handbook of the Economics of Education, in: Erik Hanushek & Stephen Machin & Ludger Woessmann (ed.), Handbook of the Economics of Education, edition 1, volume 3, chapter 4, pages 249-277, Elsevier.
    2. Ida Johnsson & Hyungsik Roger Moon, 2021. "Estimation of Peer Effects in Endogenous Social Networks: Control Function Approach," The Review of Economics and Statistics, MIT Press, vol. 103(2), pages 328-345, May.
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    5. Áureo de Paula, 2020. "Econometric Models of Network Formation," Annual Review of Economics, Annual Reviews, vol. 12(1), pages 775-799, August.
    6. Eric Auerbach, 2019. "Identification and Estimation of a Partially Linear Regression Model using Network Data," Papers 1903.09679, arXiv.org, revised Jun 2021.
    7. Charles F. Manski, 1993. "Identification of Endogenous Social Effects: The Reflection Problem," The Review of Economic Studies, Review of Economic Studies Ltd, vol. 60(3), pages 531-542.
    8. Ahn, Hyungtaik & Powell, James L., 1993. "Semiparametric estimation of censored selection models with a nonparametric selection mechanism," Journal of Econometrics, Elsevier, vol. 58(1-2), pages 3-29, July.
    9. Tiziano Arduini & Eleonora Patacchini & Edoardo Rainone, 2015. "Parametric and Semiparametric IV Estimation of Network Models with Selectivity," EIEF Working Papers Series 1509, Einaudi Institute for Economics and Finance (EIEF), revised Oct 2015.
    10. Eric Auerbach, 2021. "Identification and Estimation of a Partially Linear Regression Model using Network Data: Inference and an Application to Network Peer Effects," Papers 2105.10002, arXiv.org.
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