Dealing with Selection Bias in Educational Transition Models: The Bivariate Probit Selection Model

TY - JOUR

T1 - Dealing with Selection Bias in Educational Transition Models: The Bivariate Probit Selection Model

AU - Holm, Anders

AU - Jæger, Mads Meier

PY - 2011/9

Y1 - 2011/9

N2 - This paper proposes the bivariate probit selection model (BPSM) as an alternative to the traditional Mare model for analyzing educational transitions. The BPSM accounts for selection on unobserved variables by allowing for unobserved variables which affect the probability of making educational transitions to be correlated across transitions. We use simulated and real data to illustrate how the BPSM improves on the traditional Mare model in terms of correcting for selection bias and providing credible estimates of the effect of family background on educational success. We conclude that models which account for selection on unobserved variables and high-quality data are both required in order to estimate credible educational transition models.

AB - This paper proposes the bivariate probit selection model (BPSM) as an alternative to the traditional Mare model for analyzing educational transitions. The BPSM accounts for selection on unobserved variables by allowing for unobserved variables which affect the probability of making educational transitions to be correlated across transitions. We use simulated and real data to illustrate how the BPSM improves on the traditional Mare model in terms of correcting for selection bias and providing credible estimates of the effect of family background on educational success. We conclude that models which account for selection on unobserved variables and high-quality data are both required in order to estimate credible educational transition models.

M3 - Journal article

SN - 0276-5624

VL - 29

SP - 311

EP - 322

JO - Research in Social Stratification and Mobility

JF - Research in Social Stratification and Mobility

IS - 3

ER -