Focused information criteria, model selection, and model averaging in a Tobit model with a nonzero threshold

Xinyu Zhang, Alan T. K. Wan, Sherry Z. Zhou

    Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

    66 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Claeskens and Hjort (2003) have developed a focused information criterion (FIC) for model selection that selects different models based on different focused functions with those functions tailored to the parameters singled out for interest. Hjort and Claeskens (2003) also have presented model averaging as an alternative to model selection, and suggested a local misspecification framework for studying the limiting distributions and asymptotic risk properties of post-model selection and model average estimators in parametric models. Despite the burgeoning literature on Tobit models, little work has been done on model selection explicitly in the Tobit context. In this article we propose FICs for variable selection allowing for such measures as mean absolute deviation, mean squared error, and expected expected linear exponential errors in a type I Tobit model with an unknown threshold. We also develop a model average Tobit estimator using values of a smoothed version of the FIC as weights. We study the finite-sample performance of model selection and model average estimators resulting from various FICs via a Monte Carlo experiment, and demonstrate the possibility of using a model screening procedure before combining the models. Finally, we present an example from a well-known study on married women's working hours to illustrate the estimation methods discussed. This article has supplementary material online. © 2012 American Statistical Association.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)132-142
    JournalJournal of Business and Economic Statistics
    Volume30
    Issue number1
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Jan 2012

    Research Keywords

    • Backward elimination
    • Censored regression
    • LINEX errors
    • Local misspecification
    • Mean absolute deviation
    • Mean squared error
    • Model screening
    • Monte carlo

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