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Gene-environment interactions with essential heterogeneity

Author

Listed:
  • Hollenbach, Johannes
  • Schmitz, Hendrik
  • Westphal, Matthias

Abstract

We show that two-stage least squares (2SLS) estimates of interactions can be misleading in settings with essential heterogeneity (e.g., selection into gains) and where complier status to the instrument depends on the interaction variable. The 2SLS estimator cannot disentangle interaction effects from shifts in complier groups. Estimating marginal treatment effects addresses this problem by fixing the underlying population and unobserved heterogeneity. We illustrate this using the example of gene-environment studies, where the central parameter is the interaction effect between an endogenous, instrumented measure of environment or behavior and a predetermined measure of genetic endowment. Our application examines the effect of education on cognitive performance in old age. The results show complementarities between education and genetic predisposition in determining cognitive abilities. The marginal treatment effect estimates reveal a substantially larger gene-environment interaction, exceeding the 2SLS estimate by a factor of at least 2.5.

Suggested Citation

  • Hollenbach, Johannes & Schmitz, Hendrik & Westphal, Matthias, 2024. "Gene-environment interactions with essential heterogeneity," Ruhr Economic Papers 1105, RWI - Leibniz-Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung, Ruhr-University Bochum, TU Dortmund University, University of Duisburg-Essen.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:rwirep:306835
    DOI: 10.4419/96973283
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Two-stage least squares estimation; marginal treatment effects; gene-environment interactions; cognitive decline;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C31 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models; Quantile Regressions; Social Interaction Models
    • J14 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of the Elderly; Economics of the Handicapped; Non-Labor Market Discrimination
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

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