部分识别参数投影的置信区间

Confidence Intervals for Projections of Partially Identified Parameters

Econometrica · 2019
被引 86
人大 A+FT50ABS 4*

中文导读

提出一种基于自助法的校准投影方法,为矩不等式模型中部分识别参数向量的单个分量或平滑函数构建置信区间,通过校准松弛程度保证渐近覆盖概率,并给出快速求解非线性优化问题的算法。

Abstract

We propose a bootstrap‐based calibrated projection procedure to build confidence intervals for single components and for smooth functions of a partially identified parameter vector in moment (in)equality models. The method controls asymptotic coverage uniformly over a large class of data generating processes. The extreme points of the calibrated projection confidence interval are obtained by extremizing the value of the function of interest subject to a proper relaxation of studentized sample analogs of the moment (in)equality conditions. The degree of relaxation, or critical level, is calibrated so that the function of θ , not θ itself, is uniformly asymptotically covered with prespecified probability. This calibration is based on repeatedly checking feasibility of linear programming problems, rendering it computationally attractive. Nonetheless, the program defining an extreme point of the confidence interval is generally nonlinear and potentially intricate. We provide an algorithm, based on the response surface method for global optimization, that approximates the solution rapidly and accurately, and we establish its rate of convergence. The algorithm is of independent interest for optimization problems with simple objectives and complicated constraints. An empirical application estimating an entry game illustrates the usefulness of the method. Monte Carlo simulations confirm the accuracy of the solution algorithm, the good statistical as well as computational performance of calibrated projection (including in comparison to other methods), and the algorithm's potential to greatly accelerate computation of other confidence intervals.

部分识别参数置信区间自助法校准矩不等式模型