Background
The feasible generalized least squares estimator (FGLS) is an advanced econometric tool used in statistical analysis, specifically in regression models, to account for certain types of error structure that ordinary least squares (OLS) cannot handle effectively.
Historical Context
The concept of generalized least squares (GLS) was introduced by Alexander Aitken in 1934, building on the foundation of least squares introduced by Carl Friedrich Gauss. FGLS was developed as an extension of GLS, allowing for estimation when population characteristics are unknown and need to be estimated from the sample data.
Definitions and Concepts
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Feasible Generalized Least Squares Estimator (FGLS): An approach that first estimates the structure of the error variance-covariance matrix and then applies GLS using these estimates. It makes the GLS method practicable when the variance-covariance matrix of the errors is unknown.
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Generalized Least Squares Estimator (GLS): A generalization of OLS that accounts for heteroscedasticity or autocorrelation in the error terms, providing more efficient and unbiased parameter estimates.
Major Analytical Frameworks
Classical Economics
Not directly relevant to the discussion of FGLS, but foundational econometric methods used in classical economics often assumed homoscedastic error terms, a simplification challenged by later methodologies.
Neoclassical Economics
GLS and FGLS align well with neoclassical emphasis on optimization and efficiency, improving the estimates where traditional methods fall short due to error variances.
Keynesian Economics
While not specifically addressing econometric techniques like FGLS, Keynesian economics’ emphasis on practical policy relevance paved the way for advanced econometric methods to test and refine economic theories.
Marxian Economics
May critique the broader structures in which FGLS operates rather than the technical methodology itself.
Institutional Economics
Alternative methodologies may focus less on the precision of econometric estimates like FGLS, emphasizing qualitative analysis.
Behavioral Economics
Explores deviations from traditional statistical assumptions, which could prompt further refinements to estimation methods like FGLS.
Post-Keynesian Economics
Critical of conventional econometrics but recognizes FGLS in complex dynamic systems where foundational assumptions of simpler models falter.
Austrian Economics
Prefer qualitative over quantitative techniques, making limited use of econometric estimators like FGLS.
Development Economics
Highly relevant in fields with complex error structures due to heterogeneity, FGLS is adept at handling diverse datasets typical in development research.
Monetarism
Econometric analysis, such as that using FGLS, is crucial for empirical assessments of monetary theory predictions.
Comparative Analysis
- OLS (Ordinary Least Squares) vs. FGLS: While OLS is simpler and unbiased under standard assumptions, it is not efficient under heteroscedasticity or autocorrelation. FGLS offers efficiency gains in these contexts by accounting for error structure.
Case Studies
- Application of FGLS in Time-Series Analysis: When analyzing economic data over time where error terms are often autocorrelated.
- Cross-sectional Studies Using FGLS: Ideal for data sets that exhibit varying variances (heteroscedasticity).
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Econometric Analysis” by William H. Greene.
- “Introductory Econometrics: A Modern Approach” by Jeffrey M. Wooldridge.
- “Time Series Analysis” by James D. Hamilton.
Related Terms with Definitions
- Heteroscedasticity: Non-constant variance of error terms in a regression model.
- Autocorrelation: The correlation of a variable with itself across time intervals.
- Variance-Covariance Matrix: A matrix showing the covariances between pairs of variables in a regression model.
- Ordinary Least Squares (OLS): A method for estimating the parameters in a linear regression model by minimizing the sum of squared residuals.
