Correlated Random Coefficient Distributions in Linear Panel Models
线性面板模型中的相关随机系数分布
Irene Botosaru, James L. Powell
AI总结 本文研究了线性面板模型中相关和不相关的随机系数分布,提出无需限制误差项时间序列结构的识别条件,并通过两步最小二乘筛估计器进行实证分析,揭示了家庭支出弹性异质性。
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我们考虑了一个具有相关和不相关随机系数的静态线性面板模型,其中前者可以任意依赖于可观测的回归变量,而后者则独立于这些变量。我们提供了识别随机系数分布的充分条件,而不对短期面板中误差项的时间序列结构施加限制。我们的框架适用于常规和不规则设计。相关系数的分布通过去卷积论证得出。在不规则设计中,识别依赖于基于stayer的论证,利用回归矩阵的近奇异实现。我们开发了一个两步最小二乘筛估计器,其调参通过交叉验证选择。在利用随机现金转移计划随机评估数据分析热量消耗弹性时,我们将估计分布解释为程序状态下的特定结构热量消耗弹性分布。估计的密度本身揭示了家庭特定弹性的显著异质性,其中非平凡质量集中在零附近,且有非可忽略的负值份额。这种异质性意味着对收入或支出变化的反应并非普遍为正,而是在家庭之间差异很大。这些特征支持了一种框架,即家庭在数量和质量边际上进行调整,而不是遵循同质的恩格尔曲线反应。
We consider a static linear panel model with both correlated and uncorrelated random coefficients, where the former can depend arbitrarily on observable regressors while the latter are independent of them. We provide sufficient conditions for identification of the distributions of the random coefficients without imposing restrictions on the time-series structure of the error terms in short panels. Our framework applies to regular and irregular designs. The distribution of the correlated coefficients follows via a deconvolution argument. In irregular designs, identification relies on a stayer-based argument exploiting near-singular realizations of the regressor matrix. We develop a two-step minimum distance sieve estimator, with tuning parameters selected by cross-validation. In an application to calorie-expenditure elasticities using data from the randomized evaluation of a conditional cash transfer program, we interpret the estimated distributions by program status as distributions of regime-specific structural calorie-expenditure elasticities. The estimated densities themselves reveal substantial heterogeneity in household-specific elasticities, with nontrivial mass concentrated near zero and a non-negligible share of negative realizations. This heterogeneity implies that responses to income or expenditure changes are not uniformly positive and vary widely across households. Taken together, these features support a framework in which households adjust along both quantity and quality margins, rather than conforming to a homogeneous Engel-curve response.