Abstract:
This paper studies estimation of conditional and unconditional quantile treatment effects based on the instrumental variable quantile regression (IVQR) model (Chernozhukov and Hansen, 2004, 2005, 2006). I introduce a class of semiparametric plug-in estimators based on closed form solutions derived from the IVQR moment conditions. These estimators do not rely on separability of the structural quantile function, while retaining computational tractability and root-n-consistency. Functional central limit theorems and bootstrap validity results for the estimators of the quantile treatment effects and other functionals are provided. I apply my method to reanalyze the effect of 401(k) plans on individual savings behavior.