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Properties of the maximum likelihood estimator in spatial autoregressive models

Author

Listed:
  • Grant Hillier

    (Institute for Fiscal Studies and University of Southampton)

  • Federico Martellosio

    (Institute for Fiscal Studies)

Abstract

The (quasi-) maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) for the autoregressive parameter in a spatial autoregressive model cannot in general be written explicitly in terms of the data. The only known properties of the estimator have hitherto been its first-order asymptotic properties (Lee, 2004, Econometrica), derived under specific assumptions on the evolution of the spatial weights matrix involved. In this paper we show that the exact cumulative distribution function of the estimator can, under mild assumptions, be written down explicitly. A number of immediate consequences of the main result are discussed, and several examples of theoretical and practical interest are analysed in detail. The examples are of interest in their own right, but also serve to illustrate some unexpected features of the distribution of the MLE. In particular, we show that the distribution of the MLE may not be supported on the entire parameter space, and may be nonanalytic at some points in its support. Supplementary material relating to this working paper can be viewed here

Suggested Citation

  • Grant Hillier & Federico Martellosio, 2013. "Properties of the maximum likelihood estimator in spatial autoregressive models," CeMMAP working papers CWP44/13, Centre for Microdata Methods and Practice, Institute for Fiscal Studies.
    • Handle: RePEc:ifs:cemmap:44/13
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    File URL: http://www.cemmap.ac.uk/wps/cwp441313.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Gupta, Abhimanyu & Robinson, Peter M., 2018. "Pseudo maximum likelihood estimation of spatial autoregressive models with increasing dimension," Journal of Econometrics, Elsevier, vol. 202(1), pages 92-107.
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    4. Gupta, Abhimanyu, 2019. "Estimation Of Spatial Autoregressions With Stochastic Weight Matrices," Econometric Theory, Cambridge University Press, vol. 35(2), pages 417-463, April.
    5. Patalee, M.A. Buddhika & Tonsor, Glynn T., 2021. "Impact of weather on cow-calf industry locations and production in the United States," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 193(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    spatial autoregression; maximum likelihood estimation; group interaction; networks; complete bipartite graph;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C12 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Hypothesis Testing: General
    • C21 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models

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