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Valid t-ratio Inference for IV

Author

Listed:
  • David S. Lee
  • Justin McCrary
  • Marcelo J. Moreira
  • Jack R. Porter

Abstract

In the single-IV model, researchers commonly rely on t-ratio-based inference, even though the literature has quantified its potentially severe large-sample distortions. Building on Stock and Yogo (2005), we introduce the tF critical value function, leading to a standard error adjustment that is a smooth function of the first-stage F-statistic. For one-quarter of specifications in 61 AER papers, corrected standard errors are at least 49 and 136 percent larger than conventional 2SLS standard errors at the 5-percent and 1-percent significance levels, respectively. tF confidence intervals have shorter expected length than those of Anderson and Rubin (1949), whenever both are bounded.

Suggested Citation

  • David S. Lee & Justin McCrary & Marcelo J. Moreira & Jack R. Porter, 2021. "Valid t-ratio Inference for IV," NBER Working Papers 29124, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:29124
    Note: CF CH DEV ED EH IO LE LS PE
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C01 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - General - - - Econometrics
    • C1 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General
    • C26 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Instrumental Variables (IV) Estimation
    • C36 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Instrumental Variables (IV) Estimation

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