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Optimal bandwidth selection for differences of nonparametric estimators with an application to the sharp regression discontinuity design

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  • Yoichi Arai
  • Hidehiko Ichimura

Abstract

We consider the problem of choosing two bandwidths simultaneously for estimating the difference of two functions at given points. When the asymptotic approximation of the mean squared error (AMSE) criterion is used, we show that minimisation problem is not well-defined when the sign of the product of the second derivatives of the underlying functions at the estimated points is positive. To address this problem, we theoretically define and construct estimators of the asymptotically first-order optimal (AFO) bandwidths which are well-defined regardless of the sign. They are based on objective functions which incorporate a second-order bias term. Our approach is general enough to cover estimation problems related to densities and regression functions at interior and boundary points. We provide a detailed treatment of the sharp regression discontinuity design.This article is accompanied by a web appendix in which we present omitted discussions, an algorithm to implement the proposed method for the sharp RSS and proofs for the main results.

Suggested Citation

  • Yoichi Arai & Hidehiko Ichimura, 2013. "Optimal bandwidth selection for differences of nonparametric estimators with an application to the sharp regression discontinuity design," CeMMAP working papers 27/13, Institute for Fiscal Studies.
    • Handle: RePEc:azt:cemmap:27/13
    DOI: 10.1920/wp.cem.2013.2713
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    1. Yoichi Arai & Hidehiko Ichimura, 2013. "Optimal Bandwidth Selection for Differences of Nonparametric Estimators with an Application to the Sharp Regression Discontinuity Design," CIRJE F-Series CIRJE-F-889, CIRJE, Faculty of Economics, University of Tokyo.
    2. Doug Miller & Jens Ludwig, 2005. "Does Head Start Improve Children?s Life Chances? Evidence from a Regression Discontinuity Design," Working Papers 54, University of California, Davis, Department of Economics.
    3. Guido Imbens & Karthik Kalyanaraman, 2012. "Optimal Bandwidth Choice for the Regression Discontinuity Estimator," The Review of Economic Studies, Review of Economic Studies Ltd, vol. 79(3), pages 933-959.
    4. White, Halbert, 1980. "A Heteroskedasticity-Consistent Covariance Matrix Estimator and a Direct Test for Heteroskedasticity," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 48(4), pages 817-838, May.
    5. Jens Ludwig & Douglas L. Miller, 2007. "Does Head Start Improve Children's Life Chances? Evidence from a Regression Discontinuity Design," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 122(1), pages 159-208.
    6. Doug Miller & Jens Ludwig, 2005. "Does Head Start Improve Children?s Life Chances? Evidence from a Regression Discontinuity Design," Working Papers 534, University of California, Davis, Department of Economics.
    7. Lee, David S., 2008. "Randomized experiments from non-random selection in U.S. House elections," Journal of Econometrics, Elsevier, vol. 142(2), pages 675-697, February.
    8. Hahn, Jinyong & Todd, Petra & Van der Klaauw, Wilbert, 2001. "Identification and Estimation of Treatment Effects with a Regression-Discontinuity Design," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 69(1), pages 201-209, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Yoichi Arai & Hidehiko Ichimura, 2018. "Simultaneous selection of optimal bandwidths for the sharp regression discontinuity estimator," Quantitative Economics, Econometric Society, vol. 9(1), pages 441-482, March.
    2. Yoichi Arai & Hidehiko Ichimura, 2013. "Optimal Bandwidth Selection for Differences of Nonparametric Estimators with an Application to the Sharp Regression Discontinuity Design," CIRJE F-Series CIRJE-F-889, CIRJE, Faculty of Economics, University of Tokyo.
    3. Jales, Hugo & Ma, Jun & Yu, Zhengfei, 2017. "Optimal bandwidth selection for local linear estimation of discontinuity in density," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 153(C), pages 23-27.

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