Specification (regression) - Specification Error and Bias

Specification Error and Bias

Specification error occurs when an independent variable is correlated with the error term. There are several different causes of specification error:

  • incorrect functional form
  • a variable omitted from the model may have a relationship with both the dependent variable and one or more of the independent variables (omitted-variable bias);
  • an irrelevant variable may be included in the model
  • the dependent variable may be part of a system of simultaneous equations (simultaneity bias)
  • measurement errors may affect the independent variables.

Read more about this topic:  Specification (regression)

Famous quotes containing the words error and/or bias:

    Men have an extraordinarily erroneous opinion of their position in nature; and the error is ineradicable.
    W. Somerset Maugham (1874–1966)

    The solar system has no anxiety about its reputation, and the credit of truth and honesty is as safe; nor have I any fear that a skeptical bias can be given by leaning hard on the sides of fate, of practical power, or of trade, which the doctrine of Faith cannot down-weigh.
    Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)