To make high-quality research more accessible and easier to explore.

Fields:
3 results

Identification in Instrumental Variables Models: The Central Role of Abadie's Kappa

Econometrica 2026 94(4), 1095-1133
We study instrumental variables models characterized by: (i) Unobserved heterogeneity consisting of potential outcomes and response types that describe how the instrument determines treatment choice; (ii) Conditional independence of the instrument and the unobserved heterogeneity; and (iii) Convex restrictions on the distribution of unobserved heterogeneity. We show certain causal parameters are identified in these models if and only if a version of the kappa of Abadie (2003) exists. Our identification results are constructive in yielding estimating moment conditions. Focusing on a leading special case, we develop asymptotically normal estimators based on a doubly robust version of these moment conditions.

Unordered Monotonicity

Econometrica 2018 86(1), 1-35 open access
implies and is implied by additive separability of choice of treatment equations in terms of observed and unobserved variables. These results follow from properties of binary matrices developed in this paper. We investigate conditions under which unordered monotonicity arises as a consequence of choice behavior. We characterize IV estimators of counterfactuals as solutions to discrete mixture problems.

Understanding the Mechanisms Through Which an Influential Early Childhood Program Boosted Adult Outcomes

American Economic Review 2013 103(6), 2052-2086 open access
A growing literature establishes that high quality early childhood interventions targeted toward disadvantaged children have substantial impacts on later life outcomes. Little is known about the mechanisms producing these impacts. This paper uses longitudinal data on cognitive and personality traits from an experimental evaluation of the influential Perry Preschool program to analyze the channels through which the program boosted both male and female participant outcomes. Experimentally induced changes in personality traits explain a sizable portion of adult treatment effects.