Going beyond parametric regression in public management research
International Journal of Public Sector Management
ISSN: 0951-3558
Article publication date: 6 July 2021
Issue publication date: 26 October 2021
Abstract
Purpose
Public management researchers commonly model dichotomous dependent variables with parametric methods despite their relatively strong assumptions about the data generating process. Without testing for those assumptions and consideration of semiparametric alternatives, such as maximum score, estimates might be biased, or predictions might not be as accurate as possible.
Design/methodology/approach
To guide researchers, this paper provides an evaluative framework for comparing parametric estimators with semiparametric and nonparametric estimators for dichotomous dependent variables. To illustrate the framework, the article estimates the factors associated with the passage of school district bond referenda in all Texas school districts from 1998 to 2015.
Findings
Estimates show that the correct prediction of a bond passing increases from 77.2 to 78%, with maximum score estimation relative to a commonly used parametric alternative. While this is a small increase, it is meaningful in comparison to the random prediction base model.
Originality/value
Future research modeling any dichotomous dependent variable can use the framework to identify the most appropriate estimator and relevant statistical programs.
Keywords
Citation
Jones, P.A., Reitano, V., Butler, J.S. and Greer, R. (2021), "Going beyond parametric regression in public management research", International Journal of Public Sector Management, Vol. 34 No. 6, pp. 630-650. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPSM-01-2021-0004
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited