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Inference after discretizing time-varying unobserved heterogeneity

Jad Beyhum, Martin Mugnier

arXiv 10 Dec 2024 · Econometrics

arXiv:2412.07352 · PDF · DOI · OpenAlex · Extracted main text

Abstract

Approximating time-varying unobserved heterogeneity by discrete types has become increasingly popular in economics. Yet, provably valid post-clustering inference for target parameters in models that do not impose an exact group structure is still lacking. This paper fills this gap in the leading case of a linear panel data model with nonseparable two-way unobserved heterogeneity. Building on insights from the double machine learning literature, we propose a simple inference procedure based on a bias-reducing moment. Asymptotic theory and simulations suggest excellent performance. In the application on fiscal policy we revisit, the novel approach yields conclusions in line with economic theory.

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40
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107
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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
1Bonhomme, S., Lamadon, T., and Manresa, E (2022) Discretizing unobserved heterogeneity1.000245100%
2Freeman, H. and Weidner, M (2023) Linear panel regressions with two-way unobserved heterogeneity1.000177100%
3Westerlund, J. and Urbain, J.-P (2015) Cross-sectional averages versus principal components1.00063100%
4Bai, J (2009) Panel data models with interactive fixed effects1.00053100%
5Chernozhukov, V., Chetverikov, D., Demirer, M., Duflo, E., Hansen, C… (2018) Double/debiased machine learning for treatment and structural parameters0.92843100%
6Pesaran, M. H (2006) Estimation and inference in large heterogeneous panels with a multifactor error structure0.92843100%
7Mugnier, M (2025) A simple and computationally trivial estimator for grouped fixed effects models self0.81142100%
8Bonhomme, S. and Manresa, E (2015) Grouped patterns of heterogeneity in panel data0.73732100%
9James, A (2015) US state fiscal policy and natural resources0.64441100%
10Athey, S. and Imbens, G (2025) Identification of average treatment effects in nonparametric panel models0.64422100%

Showing the top 10 of 40 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
1Interactive, Grouped and Non-separable Fixed Effects: A Practitioner's Guide to the New Panel Data Econometrics0.95073
2Flexible Imputation of Incomplete Network Data0.73732
3Inference methods for unit-specific coefficients in panel data models with latent group structure0.40511