Université de Fribourg

The finite sample performance of semi- and nonparametric estimators for treatment effects and policy evaluation

Frölich, Markus ; Huber, Martin ; Wiesenfarth, Manuel

(Working Papers SES ; 454)

This paper investigates the fi nite sample performance of a comprehensive set of semi- and nonparametric estimators for treatment and policy evaluation. In contrast to previous simulation studies which mostly considered semiparametric approaches relying on parametric propensity score estimation, we also consider more fl exible approaches based on semi- or nonparametric propensity scores,...

Università della Svizzera italiana

Short term effects of public smoking bans on health

Mazzonna, Fabrizio ; Salari, Paola

This paper evaluates the causal negative effect of environmental tobacco exposure on health by exploiting the time and geographical variation in public-place smoking bans implemented in Switzerland between 2007 and 2011. Using monthly data from the universe of Swiss hospitals between 2004 and 2012, we show that the incidence of acute myocardial infarction hospitalizations decreases by about...

Università della Svizzera italiana

Accounting for WTP/WTA discrepancy in discrete choice models : discussion of policy implications based on two freight transport stated choice experiments

Masiero, Lorenzo ; Maggi, Rico

A key input in cost-benefit analysis is represented by the marginal rate of substitution which expresses the willingness to pay, or its counterpart willingness to accept, for both market and non-market goods. The consistent discrepancy between these two measures observed in the literature suggests the need to estimate reference dependent models able to capturing loss aversion by...