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Entropy Balancing for Continuous Treatments

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  • Stefan Tubbicke

Abstract

This paper introduces entropy balancing for continuous treatments (EBCT) by extending the original entropy balancing methodology of Hainm\"uller (2012). In order to estimate balancing weights, the proposed approach solves a globally convex constrained optimization problem. EBCT weights reliably eradicate Pearson correlations between covariates and the continuous treatment variable. This is the case even when other methods based on the generalized propensity score tend to yield insufficient balance due to strong selection into different treatment intensities. Moreover, the optimization procedure is more successful in avoiding extreme weights attached to a single unit. Extensive Monte-Carlo simulations show that treatment effect estimates using EBCT display similar or lower bias and uniformly lower root mean squared error. These properties make EBCT an attractive method for the evaluation of continuous treatments.

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  • Stefan Tubbicke, 2020. "Entropy Balancing for Continuous Treatments," Papers 2001.06281, arXiv.org, revised May 2020.
    • Handle: RePEc:arx:papers:2001.06281
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    JEL classification:

    • C14 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Semiparametric and Nonparametric Methods: General
    • C21 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models
    • C87 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - Econometric Software

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