In this paper, we propose a new approach to estimating sample selection models that combines Generalized Tukey Lambda (GTL) distributions with copulas. The GTL distribution is a versatile univariate distribution that permits a wide range of skewness and thick- or thin-tailed behavior in the data...

If the disturbances of a linear regression model are skewed and/or thick-tailed, a maximum likelihood estimator is efficient relative to the customary Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) estimator. In this paper, we specify a highly flexible Generalized Tukey Lambda (GTL) distribution to model skewed...

The pregibit discrete choice model is built on a distribution that allows symmetry or asymmetry and thick tails, thin tails or no tails. Thus the model is much richer than the traditional models that are typically used to study behavior that generates discrete choice outcomes. Pregibit nests...

The Independence of Irrelevant Alternatives assumption inherent in multinomial logit models is most frequently tested with a Hausman-McFadden test. As is confirmed by many findings in the literature, this test sometimes produces negative outcomes, in contradiction of its asymptotic χ²...

This meta-analytical review of empirical studies of the impact of schooling on entrepreneurship selection and performance in developing economies looks at variations in impact across specific characteristics of the studies. A marginal year of schooling in developing economies raises enterprise...

One would expect that family income is an important positive factor in children's school attainment. However, evidence is often tainted by the lack of control for parental ability, since at least a portion of ability is transferred genetically to children. This paper uses a sample of adopted...

Governments in less developed countries face severe budgetary constraints. Given that public sector employment is a large part of modern sector employment, the government wage bill h as come under increased scrutiny. The central question is how do gove rnment wages compare with those in the...

When parents are more educated, their children tend to receive more schooling as well. Does this occur because parental ability is passed on genetically or because more educated parents provide a better environment for children to flourish? Using an intergenerational sample of families, we...

As part of their efforts to reduce fiscal deficits, many governments have allowed public sector salaires to erode, often on the assumption that government workers are overpaid vis-a-vis those in the private sector. We test that assumption by analyzing public-private pay differentials in the...