Nonparametric inference for counterfactual means: Bias-correction, confidence sets, and weak IV

Abstract

This paper supplements Manski (1990) and Manski and Pepper (2000) and contributes to the literature by introducing the concept of weak IV for the partially identified mean counterfactual outcomes when an instrumental variable (IV) or a monotone instrumental variable (MIV) is available (IV or MIV assumption respectively); developing asymptotically uniformly valid confidence sets for the counterfactual mean outcomes and average treatment effects under the assumptions; correcting biases of estimates of bounds on the counterfactual mean outcomes under the assumptions. We apply the confidence sets to further examining the effect of family intactness on a child's high school graduation originally studied in Manski et al. (1992). Published by Elsevier B.V.