Biases in approximating log production

Sun, Kai and Henderson, Daniel J. and Kumbhakar, Subal C. (2010): Biases in approximating log production. Forthcoming in: Journal of Applied Econometrics

Abstract

Most empirical work in economic growth assumes either a Cobb-Douglas production function expressed in logs or a log-approximated constant elasticity of substitution specification. Estimates from each are likely biased due to logging the model and the latter can also suffer from approximation bias. We illustrate this with a successful replication of Masanjala and Papagerogiou (2004) and then estimate both models in levels to avoid these biases. Our estimation in levels gives results in line with conventional wisdom.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: Nonparametric, Kmenta Approximation, Levels, Logs, PPML
• Subjects: C - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods > C1 - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General > C13 - Estimation: General; O - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth > O4 - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity; C - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods > C0 - General > C01 - Econometrics

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