What I wished they taught me about Econometrics - An Introduction

46 Variance exercise

About this lesson
In this video, we explore the crucial concept of estimator precision and why unbiasedness alone is insufficient. We delve into a practical exercise where we compare two estimators, one from Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and another with an added constant and a variable with zero expectation. Through this comparison, we demonstrate how to utilize variance operator properties to determine which estimator is more efficient. The key takeaway is that adding noise to an unbiased estimator, even if that noise has a zero mean, will increase its variance and reduce its efficiency. This lesson provides a foundational understanding of estimator efficiency and its relationship to unbiasedness, drawing connections to the Gauss-Markov theorem. By first checking for unbiasedness and then comparing variances, you can make informed decisions about estimator selection. If unbiasedness doesn't distinguish between estimators, precision becomes the deciding factor. Subscribe to @AxiomTutoringCourses for more expert insights and tutorials.
Walkthrough

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