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Identifying the Returns to Lying When the Truth is Unobserved

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  • Yingyao Hu
  • Arthur Lewbel

Abstract

Consider an observed binary regressor D and an unobserved binary variable D*, both of which affect some other variable Y. This paper considers nonparametric identification and estimation of the effect of D on Y, conditioning on D* = 0. For example, suppose Y is a person�s wage, the unobserved D* indicates if the person has been to college, and the observed D indicates whether the individual claims to have been to college. This paper then identifies and estimates the difference in average wages between those who falsely claim college experience versus those who tell the truth about not having college. We estimate this average returns to lying to be about 7% to 20%. Nonparametric identification without observing D* is obtained either by observing a variable V that is roughly analogous to an instrument for ordinary measurement error, or by imposing restrictions on model error moments.

Suggested Citation

  • Yingyao Hu & Arthur Lewbel, 2007. "Identifying the Returns to Lying When the Truth is Unobserved," Economics Working Paper Archive 540, The Johns Hopkins University,Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:jhu:papers:540
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    Cited by:

    1. Dong, Yingying & Lewbel, Arthur, 2011. "Nonparametric identification of a binary random factor in cross section data," Journal of Econometrics, Elsevier, vol. 163(2), pages 163-171, August.
    2. Fu, Lianyan & Gao, Wei & Shi, Ning-Zhong, 2011. "Estimation of relative average treatment effects with misclassification," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 111(1), pages 95-98, April.

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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
    • C20 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - General
    • I2 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education

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