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Challenges in Statistically Rejecting the Perfect Competition Hypothesis Using Imperfect Competition Data

Yuri Matsumura, Suguru Otani

arXiv 6 Oct 2023 · Econometrics

arXiv:2310.04576 · PDF · DOI · OpenAlex · Extracted main text

Abstract

We theoretically prove why statistically rejecting the null hypothesis of perfect competition is challenging, known as a common problem in the literature. We also assess the finite sample performance of the conduct parameter test in homogeneous goods markets, showing that statistical power increases with the number of markets, a larger conduct parameter, and a stronger demand rotation instrument. However, even with a moderate number of markets and five firms, rejecting the null hypothesis of perfect competition remains difficult, irrespective of instrument strength or the use of optimal instruments. Our findings suggest that empirical results failing to reject perfect competition are due to the limited number of markets rather than methodological shortcomings.

Citation extraction

23
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48
in-text mentions
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Most heavily cited references

The works this paper leans on most, across its whole bibliography — not restricted to papers in our corpus. Ranked by composite intensity, which combines how often a work is mentioned, how many sections mention it, and how much of that falls in the main text rather than the appendix.

ReferenceIntensityMentionsSectionsMain text
1Genesove and Mullin (1998) Testing static oligopoly models: conduct and cost in the sugar industry, 1890-19141.00063100%
2Shaffer (1993) A test of competition in Canadian banking1.00053100%
3Steen and Salvanes (1999) Testing for market power using a dynamic oligopoly model1.00053100%
4Bresnahan (1982) The oligopoly solution concept is identified0.73732100%
5Matsumura and Otani (2023) Resolving the conflict on conduct parameter estimation in homogeneous goods markets between Bresnahan (1982) and Perloff and She…0.6443267%
6Chamberlain (1987) Asymptotic efficiency in estimation with conditional moment restrictions0.64422100%
7Reynaert and Verboven (2014) Improving the performance of random coefficients demand models: The role of optimal instruments0.64422100%
8Puller (2007) Pricing and firm conduct in California's deregulated electricity market0.58531100%
9Bettendorf and Verboven (2000) Incomplete transmission of coffee bean prices: evidence from the Netherlands0.51121100%
10Clay and Troesken (2003) Further tests of static oligopoly models: Whiskey, 1882–18980.51121100%

Showing the top 10 of 23 scored citations.

Cited by, within the corpus

arXiv econ.EM papers that cite this one, ranked by how heavily they lean on it.

Citing paperIntensityMentionsSections
1Conduct Parameter Estimation in Homogeneous Goods Markets with Equilibrium Existence and Uniqueness Conditions: The Case of Log-linear Specification0.40511