Abstract Given the popularity of nonparametric methods in applied econometric research, it is beneficial if students have exposure to these methods. We provide a simple, heuristic overview that can be used to discuss smoothing and nonparametric density and regression estimation suitable for an...

Estimating gradients is of crucial importance across a broad range of applied economic domains. Here we consider data-driven bandwidth selection based on the gradient of an unknown regression function. This is a difficult problem given that direct observation of the value of the gradient is...

We examine the (potentially nonlinear) relationship between inequality and growth using a method which does not require an a priori assumption on the underlying functional form. This approach reveals a plateau completely missed by commonly used (nonlinear) parametric approaches—the economy...

In this article we consider nonparametric estimation of a structural equation model under full additivity constraint. We propose estimators for both the conditional mean and gradient which are consistent, asymptotically normal, oracle efficient, and free from the curse of dimensionality. Monte...

type="main" xml:id="obes12025-abs-0001" <title type="main">Abstract</title> <p>Empirical growth regressions typically include mean years of schooling as a proxy for human capital. However, empirical research often finds that the sign and significance of schooling depends on the sample of observations or the specification of...</p>

In this note we present νth-order kernel density derivative estimators using canonical higher-order kernels. These canonical rescalings uncouple the choice of kernel and scale factor. This approach is useful for selection of the order of the kernel in a data-driven procedure as well as for...

This note derives the general form of the asymptotic approximate mean integrated squared error for the q-variate, νth-order kernel density rth derivative estimator. This formula allows for normal reference rule-of-thumb bandwidths to be derived. We give tables for some of the most common cases...

We apply recent results from the statistics literature to test for multimodality of worldwide distributions of several (unweighted and population-weighted) measures of labor productivity. Specifically, we employ Silverman (Bump) and Dip modality tests, calibrated to correct for their incorrect...

This paper investigates how students’ collegiate athletic participation affects their subsequent labor market success. By using newly developed techniques in nonparametric regression, it shows that on average former college athletes earn a wage premium. However, the premium is not uniform, but...