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Characterization of the asymptotic distribution of semiparametric M-estimators

Author

Listed:
  • Hidehiko Ichimura

    (Institute for Fiscal Studies and University of Arizona, University of Tokyo)

  • Sokbae (Simon) Lee

    (Institute for Fiscal Studies and Columbia University)

Abstract

This paper develops a concrete formula for the asymptotic distribution of two-step, possibly non-smooth semiparametric M-estimators under general misspecification. Our regularity conditions are relatively straightforward to verify and also weaker than those available in the literature. The first-stage nonparametric estimation may depend on finite dimensional parameters. We characterize: (1) conditions under which the first-stage estimation of nonparametric components do not affect the asymptotic distribution, (2) conditions under which the asymptotic distribution is affected by the derivatives of the first-stage nonparametric estimator with respect to the finite-dimensional parameters, and (3) conditions under which one can allow non-smooth objective functions. Our framework is illustrated by applying it to three examples: (1) profiled estimation of a single index quantile regression model, (2) semiparametric least squares estimation under model misspecification, and (3) a smoothed matching estimator.

Suggested Citation

  • Hidehiko Ichimura & Sokbae (Simon) Lee, 2006. "Characterization of the asymptotic distribution of semiparametric M-estimators," CeMMAP working papers CWP15/06, Centre for Microdata Methods and Practice, Institute for Fiscal Studies.
    • Handle: RePEc:ifs:cemmap:15/06
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    File URL: http://cemmap.ifs.org.uk/wps/cwp1506.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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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

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