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Match Bias in Wage Gap Estimates Due to Earnings Imputation

Author

Listed:
  • Barry T. Hirsch

    (Trinity University and IZA, Bonn)

  • Edward J. Schumacher

    (Trinity University)

Abstract
About 30% of workers in the Current Population Survey have earnings imputed. Wage gap estimates are biased toward zero when the attribute being studied (e.g., union status) is not a criterion used to match donors to nonrespondents. An expression for "match bias" is derived in which attenuation equals the sum of match error rates. Attenuation can be approximated by the proportion with imputed earnings. Union wage gap estimates with match bias removed are presented for 19732001. Estimates for recent years are biased downward 5 percentage points. Bias in gap estimates accompanying other nonmatch criteria (public sector, industry, etc.) is examined.

Suggested Citation

  • Barry T. Hirsch & Edward J. Schumacher, 2004. "Match Bias in Wage Gap Estimates Due to Earnings Imputation," Journal of Labor Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 22(3), pages 689-722, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:ucp:jlabec:v:22:y:2004:i:3:p:689-722
    DOI: 10.1086/383112
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • J3 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs
    • J5 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor-Management Relations, Trade Unions, and Collective Bargaining
    • C81 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - Methodology for Collecting, Estimating, and Organizing Microeconomic Data; Data Access

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