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Did Harold Zuercher Have Time-Separable Preferences?

Jay Lu, Yao Luo, Kota Saito, Yi Xin

arXiv 12 Jun 2024 · Econometrics

arXiv:2406.07809 · PDF · DOI · OpenAlex · Extracted main text

Abstract

This paper proposes an empirical model of dynamic discrete choice to allow for non-separable time preferences, generalizing the well-known Rust (1987) model. Under weak conditions, we show the existence of value functions and hence well-defined optimal choices. We construct a contraction mapping of the value function and propose an estimation method similar to Rust's nested fixed point algorithm. Finally, we apply the framework to the bus engine replacement data. We improve the fit of the data with our general model and reject the null hypothesis that Harold Zuercher has separable time preferences. Misspecifying an agent's preference as time-separable when it is not leads to biased inferences about structure parameters (such as the agent's risk attitudes) and misleading policy recommendations.

Citation extraction

40
references
66
in-text mentions
40
distinct cited
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self-citations
12,378
main-text words

appendix boundary found by appendix_command · 75% of the source is main text. Read the extracted text to check this.

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
1Rust, J (1987) Optimal replacement of GMC bus engines: An empirical model of Harold Zurcher1.000126100%
2Epstein, L. G. and S. E. Zin (1989) Substitution, Risk Aversion, and the Temporal Behavior of Consumption and Asset Returns: A Theoretical Framework0.87452100%
3Gowrisankaran, G. and M. Rysman (2012) Dynamics of consumer demand for new durable goods0.64422100%
4Kreps, D. M. and E. L. Porteus (1978) Temporal resolution of uncertainty and dynamic choice theory0.64422100%
5Hotz, V. J. and R. A. Miller (1993) Conditional choice probabilities and the estimation of dynamic models0.58531100%
6Arcidiacono, P. and R. A. Miller (2020) Identifying dynamic discrete choice models off short panels0.51121100%
7Bansal, R. and A. Yaron (2004) Risks for the Long Run: A Potential Resolution of Asset Pricing Puzzles0.51121100%
8Dorsey, J (2019) Waiting for the courts: Effects of policy uncertainty on pollution and investment0.51121100%
9Handley, K. and J. F. Li (2020) Measuring the effects of firm uncertainty on economic activity: New evidence from one million documents, Tech0.51121100%
10Kellogg, R (2014) The effect of uncertainty on investment: evidence from Texas oil drilling0.51121100%

Showing the top 10 of 40 scored citations.