Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/96755 
Year of Publication: 
2014
Series/Report no.: 
IZA Discussion Papers No. 8144
Publisher: 
Institute for the Study of Labor (IZA), Bonn
Abstract: 
In this paper we consider nonparametric estimation of a structural equation model under full additivity constraint. We propose estimators for both the conditional mean and gradient which are consistent, asymptotically normal, oracle efficient and free from the curse of dimensionality. Monte Carlo simulations support the asymptotic developments. We employ a partially linear extension of our model to study the relationship between child care and cognitive outcomes. Some of our (average) results are consistent with the literature (e.g., negative returns to child care when mothers have higher levels of education). However, as our estimators allow for heterogeneity both across and within groups, we are able to contradict many findings in the literature (e.g., we do not find any significant differences in returns between boys and girls or for formal versus informal child care).
Subjects: 
child care
structural equation
additive regression
endogeneity
generated regressors
oracle estimation
nonparametric regression
test scores
JEL: 
C14
C36
I21
J13
Document Type: 
Working Paper

Files in This Item:
File
Size
501.86 kB





Items in EconStor are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.