[Many distributions have been used as descriptive models for the size distribution of income. This paper considers two generalized beta distributions which include many of these models as special or limiting cases. These generalized distributions have not been used as models for the distribution of income and provide a unified method of comparing many models previously considered. Expressions are reported which facilitate parameter estimation and the analysis of associated means, variances, and various measures of inequality. The distributions considered are fit to U.S. family income and their relative performance is compared.]

[This paper contains the derivation of the exact finite sample distribution function of the LIML identifiability test statistic associated with an overidentified nondynamic structural equation which contains two endogenous variables. Some of the properties of the moments of this statistic are also investigated.]

Donald H. Ebbeler, James B. McDonald, An Analysis of the Properties of the Exact Finite Sample Distribution of a Nonconsistent GCL Structural Variance Estimator, Econometrica, Vol. 41, No. 1 (Jan., 1973), pp. 59-65

[In this paper we consider the lognormal, gamma, beta, and Singh-Maddala functions as descriptive models for the distribution of family income for 1960 and 1969 through 1975. Least squares and two efficient estimation techniques are used to estimate the unknown parameters. Alternative functional forms for comparable estimation techniques can then be contrasted and estimation techniques for a given functional form can be compared. We note that estimates of population characteristics depend upon the functional form and estimation technique selected.]

James B. McDonald, Richard J. Butler, Some Generalized Mixture Distributions with an Application to Unemployment Duration, The Review of Economics and Statistics, Vol. 69, No. 2 (May, 1987), pp. 232-240

A method of estimating the distribution of uninterrupted unemploymentspells from aggregate unemployment data is outlined. The methodology does not i mpose constant individual hazard rates and allows for heterogeneity. Characteris tics of the distribution of unemployment spells are then considered including ha zard rates, measures of inequality such as Gini coefficients, and the fraction o f total unemployment associated with S weeks of unemploy-ment. The relationship between these char-acteristics and labor demand variables (GNP) and supply-side variables (transfer payments, unemployment insurance) is considered in or-der to better understand the relative role of short- and long-run unemployment.

Richard J. Butler, James B. McDonald, Ray D. Nelson, Steven B. White, Robust and Partially Adaptive Estimation of Regression Models, The Review of Economics and Statistics, Vol. 72, No. 2 (May, 1990), pp. 321-327