Heterogeneous Returns to Training: An Analysis with German Data Using Local Instrumental Variables

Kuckulenz Anja () and Maier Michael
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Kuckulenz Anja: Centre for European Economic Research (ZEW), Department Labour Markets, Human Resources and Social Policy, P.O. Box 10 3443, D-68034 Mannheim, Germany
Maier Michael: Centre for European Economic Research (ZEW), Department Labour Markets, Human Resources and Social Policy, P.O. Box 10 3443, D-68034 Mannheim, Germany

Journal of Economics and Statistics (Jahrbuecher fuer Nationaloekonomie und Statistik), 2006, vol. 226, issue 1, 24-40

Abstract: Empirical work on the wage impact of training has noted that unobserved heterogeneity of training participants should play a role. The expected return to training, which partly depends on unobservable characteristics, is likely to be a crucial criterion in the decision to take part in training or not. We try to account for this fact by using recent advances in estimating returns to schooling, which allow for selection on unobservables, and apply it to estimating the impact of training on earnings. Allowing heterogeneity to be unobserved by the econometrician, but assuming that individuals may act upon this heterogeneity, completely changes the interpretation and properties of commonly used estimators. Our results based on local instrumental variables suggest that traditional estimates of the wage impact of training overestimate this effect.

Keywords: Continuing training; treatment effects; semiparametric estimation; local instrumental variables (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2006
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:jns:jbstat:v:226:y:2006:i:1:p:24-40

DOI: 10.1515/jbnst-2006-0104

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