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Binary classification with the maximum score model and linear programming

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  • Joel L. Horowitz
  • Sokbae Lee

Abstract

This paper presents a computationally efficient method for binary classification using Manski's (1975,1985) maximum score model when covariates are discretely distributed and parameters are partially but not point identified. We establish conditions under which it is minimax optimal to allow for either non-classification or random classification and derive finite-sample and asymptotic lower bounds on the probability of correct classification. We also describe an extension of our method to continuous covariates. Our approach avoids the computational difficulty of maximum score estimation by reformulating the problem as two linear programs. Compared to parametric and nonparametric methods, our method balances extrapolation ability with minimal distributional assumptions. Monte Carlo simulations and empirical applications demonstrate its effectiveness and practical relevance.

Suggested Citation

  • Joel L. Horowitz & Sokbae Lee, 2025. "Binary classification with the maximum score model and linear programming," CeMMAP working papers 16/25, Institute for Fiscal Studies.
    • Handle: RePEc:azt:cemmap:16/25
    DOI: 10.47004/wp.cem.2025.1625
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Charles F. Manski & Elie Tamer, 2002. "Inference on Regressions with Interval Data on a Regressor or Outcome," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 70(2), pages 519-546, March.
    2. Toru Kitagawa & Aleksey Tetenov, 2018. "Who Should Be Treated? Empirical Welfare Maximization Methods for Treatment Choice," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 86(2), pages 591-616, March.
    3. Florios, Kostas & Skouras, Spyros, 2008. "Exact computation of max weighted score estimators," Journal of Econometrics, Elsevier, vol. 146(1), pages 86-91, September.
    4. Horowitz, Joel L, 1992. "A Smoothed Maximum Score Estimator for the Binary Response Model," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 60(3), pages 505-531, May.
    5. Emily Breza & Arun G. Chandrasekhar & Davide Viviano, 2025. "Evidence aggregation with ignorance in mind: learning what we do (not) know for archetypes discovery," Papers 2501.13355, arXiv.org, revised Jun 2026.
    6. Dries F. Benoit & Dirk Van den Poel, 2012. "Binary quantile regression: a Bayesian approach based on the asymmetric Laplace distribution," Journal of Applied Econometrics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 27(7), pages 1174-1188, November.
    7. Delgado, Miguel A. & Rodriguez-Poo, Juan M. & Wolf, Michael, 2001. "Subsampling inference in cube root asymptotics with an application to Manski's maximum score estimator," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 73(2), pages 241-250, November.
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