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Identification and shape restrictions in nonparametric instrumental variables estimation

Author

Listed:
  • Joachim Freyberger

    (Institute for Fiscal Studies and University of Bonn)

  • Joel L. Horowitz

    (Institute for Fiscal Studies and Northwestern University)

Abstract

This paper is concerned with inference about an unidentified linear function, L(g), where the function g satisfies the relation Y=g(X)+U; E(U |W)=0. In this relation, Y is the dependent variable, X is a possibly endogenous explanatory variable, W is an instrument for X and U is an unobserved random variable. The data are an independent random sample of (Y, X, W). In much applied research, X and W are discrete, and W has fewer points of support than X. Consequently, neither g nor L(g) is nonparametrically identified. Indeed, L(g) can have any value in (-8, 8). In applied research, this problem is typically overcome and point identification is achieved by assuming that g is a linear function of X. However, the assumption of linearity is arbitrary. It is untestable if W is binary, as is the case in many applications. This paper explores the use of shape restrictions, such as monotonicity or convexity, for achieving interval identification of L(g). Economic theory often provides such shape restrictions. This paper shows that they restrict L(g) to an interval whose upper and lower bounds can be obtained by solving linear programming problems. Inference about the identified interval and the functional L(g) can be carried out by using the bootstrap. An empirical application illustrates the usefulness of shape restrictions for carrying out nonparametric inferences about L(g). An extension to nonseparable and quantile IV models is described.

Suggested Citation

  • Joachim Freyberger & Joel L. Horowitz, 2013. "Identification and shape restrictions in nonparametric instrumental variables estimation," CeMMAP working papers CWP31/13, Centre for Microdata Methods and Practice, Institute for Fiscal Studies.
  • Handle: RePEc:ifs:cemmap:31/13
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Xiaohong Chen & Yin Jia Jeff Qiu, 2016. "Methods for Nonparametric and Semiparametric Regressions with Endogeneity: A Gentle Guide," Annual Review of Economics, Annual Reviews, vol. 8(1), pages 259-290, October.
    2. Denis Chetverikov & Daniel Wilhelm, 2016. "Nonparametric instrumental variable estimation under monotonicity," CeMMAP working papers 48/16, Institute for Fiscal Studies.
    3. Denis Chetverikov & Daniel Wilhelm, 2017. "Nonparametric Instrumental Variable Estimation Under Monotonicity," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 85, pages 1303-1320, July.
    4. Denis Chetverikov & Daniel Wilhelm, 2015. "Nonparametric instrumental variable estimation under monotonicity," CeMMAP working papers 39/15, Institute for Fiscal Studies.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    partial identification; linear programming; bootstrap;
    All these keywords.

    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
    • C26 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Instrumental Variables (IV) Estimation

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