Estimating Features of a Distribution from Binomial Data

60 Pages Posted: 21 Jul 2008

See all articles by Arthur Lewbel

Arthur Lewbel

Boston College - Department of Economics

Oliver B. Linton

University of Cambridge

DL McFadden

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Date Written: September 2006

Abstract

A statistical problem that arises in several fields is that of estimating the features of an unknown distribution, which may be conditioned on covariates, using a sample of binomial observations on whether draws from this distribution exceed threshold levels set by experimental design. Applications include bioassay and destructive duration analysis. The empirical application we consider is referendum contingent valuation in resource economics, where one is interested in features of the distribution of values (willingness to pay) placed by consumers on a public good such as endangered species. Sample consumers are asked whether they favor a referendum that would provide the good at a cost specified by experimental design. This paper provides estimators for moments and quantiles of the unknown distribution in this problem under both nonparametric and semiparametric specifications.

JEL Classification: C14, C25, C42, H41

Suggested Citation

Lewbel, Arthur and Linton, Oliver B. and McFadden, DL, Estimating Features of a Distribution from Binomial Data (September 2006). LSE STICERD Research Paper No. EM507, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1163557

Arthur Lewbel (Contact Author)

Boston College - Department of Economics ( email )

140 Commonwealth Avenue
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
United States
617-552-3678 (Phone)
617-552-2308 (Fax)

Oliver B. Linton

University of Cambridge ( email )

Faculty of Economics
Cambridge, CB3 9DD
United Kingdom

DL McFadden

affiliation not provided to SSRN

No Address Available

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