Analysis of Microdata

1. Front Matter

   Pages I-X

   PDF

2. Introduction

   Pages 1-20

3. From Regression to Probability Models

   Pages 21-43

4. Maximum Likelihood Estimation

   Pages 45-93

5. Binary Response Models

   Pages 95-135

6. Multinomial Response Models

   Pages 137-169

7. Ordered Response Models

   Pages 171-205

8. Limited Dependent Variables

   Pages 207-250

9. Event History Models

   Pages 251-296

10. Back Matter

    Pages 297-313

    PDF

The availability of microdata has increased rapidly over the last decades, and standard statistical and econometric software packages for data analysis include ever more sophisticated modeling options. The goal of this book is to familiarize readers with a wide range of commonly used models, and thereby to enable them to become critical consumers of current empirical research, and to conduct their own empirical analyses. The focus of the book is on regression-type models in the context of large cross-section samples. In microdata applications, dependent variables often are qualitative and discrete, while in other cases, the sample is not randomly drawn from the population of interest and the dependent variable is censored or truncated. Hence, models and methods are required that go beyond the standard linear regression model and ordinary least squares. Maximum li- lihood estimation of conditional probability models and marginal probability e?ects are introduced here as the unifying principle for modeling, estimating and interpreting microdata relationships. We consider the limitation to m- imum likelihood sensible, from a pedagogical point of view if the book is to be used in a semester-long advanced undergraduate or graduate course, and from a practical point of view because maximum likelihood estimation is used in the overwhelming majority of current microdata research. In order to introduce and explain the models and methods, we refer to a number of illustrative applications. The main examples include the deter- nants of individual fertility, the intergenerational transmission of secondary schoolchoices,andthewageelasticityoffemalelaborsupply.

• Conditional Probability Models
• Crosssection
• Event History Models
• Likelihood
• Limited Dependent Variables
• Maximum Likelihood
• Qualitative Variables
• data analysis

From the reviews:

"The book deals with the analysis of microdata where the usual conditional expectation functions (CEF) modeling is changed towards conditional probability functions (CPF). … Numerous illustrations and numerical examples from the area of social sciences are declineated to show the utility and methodology of fitting a variety of models. This book provides subject matters different from routine books … . The book will definitely enhance the knowledge of students and equip the researchers for proper analysis and reliable results." (B. L. Agarwal, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 1100 (2), 2007)

"Analysis of Microdata is comprised of eight chapters, which can be thought of as falling into two parts. … At the time of writing this review I have just finished teaching a microeconometrics course using this book as the primary text. I found that it worked very well. Not only is the material well chosen but I thought it very well exposited. … I cannot give any textbook a more ringing endorsement than that." (Christopher L. Skeels, Economic Record, March, 2007)

• Socioeconomic Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland

  Rainer Winkelmann, Stefan Boes

Policies and ethics