Simulation-based estimation of Tobit model with random effects

Calzolari, Giorgio and Magazzini, Laura and Mealli, Fabrizia (2001): Simulation-based estimation of Tobit model with random effects. Published in: Econometric Studies, a Festschrift in Honour of Joachim Frohn No. Ed. by R. Friedmann, L. Knueppel, and H. Luetkepohl . Muenster: LIT Verlag (2001): pp. 349-369.

Abstract

The estimation of limited dependent variable panel data models usually involves objective functions in which integrals appear without a closed form solution: this is the case of the panel data Tobit model with random effects. Recently, simulation methods have shown to be useful in the inference process, as they offer methods to approximate such integrals (Laroque, Salanie, 1989; Gouri´eroux, Monfort, 1991, 1993; Hajivassiliou, McFadden, 1998; Mealli, Rampichini, 1999; Inkmann, 2000). Although the asymptotic performances of such methods are known and their application has been successfully undertaken, more precise ideas on their finite sample performance and computational efficiency is still needed. In this paper we propose to use the method of indirect inference, using different auxiliary models, and the simulated maximum likelihood to estimate these models. We use a panel data Tobit model with a simple correlation structure in the unobservables (i.e. a one-factor structure), but the model could be easily extended. Using both simulated and real data, we show the perfomances of the proposed methods in finite samples. The application on real data is concerned with a model of female labour supply.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: Tobit model; random effects; simulation based estimation; indirect estimation
• Subjects: C - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods > C2 - Single Equation Models ; Single Variables > C24 - Truncated and Censored Models ; Switching Regression Models ; Threshold Regression Models; C - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods > C1 - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General > C15 - Statistical Simulation Methods: General; C - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods > C2 - Single Equation Models ; Single Variables > C21 - Cross-Sectional Models ; Spatial Models ; Treatment Effect Models ; Quantile Regressions

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