Flexible semiparametric modeling with application to Causal Inference

Fuente: arXiv
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Hauptverfasser: Ren, Kun, Su, Wen, Liu, Li, McKeague, Ian W., Zhao, Xingqiu
Format: Preprint
Veröffentlicht: 2026
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author Ren, Kun
Su, Wen
Liu, Li
McKeague, Ian W.
Zhao, Xingqiu
author_facet Ren, Kun
Su, Wen
Liu, Li
McKeague, Ian W.
Zhao, Xingqiu
contents This paper proposes a flexible new framework for constructing Neyman-orthogonal scores in semiparametric models involving infinite-dimensional nuisance parameters. While locally estimation is vital for integrating machine learning into econometrics, deriving orthogonal scores for complex models remains a major challenge. We provide explicit construction strategies for broad classes of settings. The proposed framework ensures asymptotic normality of target parameter estimators in a way that does not depend on the method used to construct the nuisance parameter estimators, provided they are $o_p(n^{-\1/4})$-consistent. We apply the proposed methodology to causal inference with a binary instrumental variable, developing a novel, robust estimator for treatment effects. Numerical studies demonstrate that our approach significantly outperforms naive alternatives in finite samples. An empirical application to the Oregon Health Insurance Experiment illustrates the framework's utility in providing robust causal evidence.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2604_26729
institution arXiv
publishDate 2026
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Flexible semiparametric modeling with application to Causal Inference
Ren, Kun
Su, Wen
Liu, Li
McKeague, Ian W.
Zhao, Xingqiu
Methodology
This paper proposes a flexible new framework for constructing Neyman-orthogonal scores in semiparametric models involving infinite-dimensional nuisance parameters. While locally estimation is vital for integrating machine learning into econometrics, deriving orthogonal scores for complex models remains a major challenge. We provide explicit construction strategies for broad classes of settings. The proposed framework ensures asymptotic normality of target parameter estimators in a way that does not depend on the method used to construct the nuisance parameter estimators, provided they are $o_p(n^{-\1/4})$-consistent. We apply the proposed methodology to causal inference with a binary instrumental variable, developing a novel, robust estimator for treatment effects. Numerical studies demonstrate that our approach significantly outperforms naive alternatives in finite samples. An empirical application to the Oregon Health Insurance Experiment illustrates the framework's utility in providing robust causal evidence.
title Flexible semiparametric modeling with application to Causal Inference
topic Methodology
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2604.26729