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Counterfactual prediction in complete information games: Point prediction under partial identification

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  • Jun, Sung Jae
  • Pinkse, Joris

Abstract

We study the problem of counterfactual prediction in discrete decision games with complete information, pure strategies, and Nash equilibria: the presence of multiple equilibria poses unique challenges. We introduce multiple types of counterfactuals to establish sharp identified bounds for their prediction probabilities. We propose and compare various point prediction methods, namely midpoint prediction, an approach using a Dirichlet-based prior, a maximum entropy method, and minmax with an entropy constraint. On balance, we conclude that the maximum-entropy approach is the least of several evils. Our results have implications for counterfactual prediction in other models with partial identification.

Suggested Citation

  • Jun, Sung Jae & Pinkse, Joris, 2020. "Counterfactual prediction in complete information games: Point prediction under partial identification," Journal of Econometrics, Elsevier, vol. 216(2), pages 394-429.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:econom:v:216:y:2020:i:2:p:394-429
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jeconom.2019.02.009
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    2. Brendan Kline & Elie Tamer, 2024. "Counterfactual Analysis in Empirical Games," Papers 2410.12731, arXiv.org.
    3. Jun, Sung Jae & Pinkse, Joris, 2024. "An information–Theoretic approach to partially identified auction models," Journal of Econometrics, Elsevier, vol. 238(2).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Complete information games; Counterfactual prediction; Partial identification; Maximum entropy; Dirichlet process; Minmax decisions;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C01 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - General - - - Econometrics
    • C10 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - General
    • C57 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Econometrics of Games and Auctions

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