The topic of my dissertation research is Bayesian methods in the social sciences. There will be several parts to the dissertation. One part, the focus of this proposal, is a novel method called tuned Bayesian model averaging (tBMA) that modifies Bayesian model averaging (BMA) by using the data to inform the prior specification. BMA is a tool that accounts for model uncertainty in typical regres...

We consider a production function model that transforms worker inputs into outputs through peer effect networks. The distinguishing features of this production model are that the network is formal and observable through worker scheduling, and selection into the network is done by a manager. We discuss identification and suggest a variety of estimation techniques. In particular, we tackle endoge...

A recent study using Heckman-type selection models to adjust for non-response in the Zambia 2007 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) found a large correction in HIV prevalence for males. We aim to validate this finding, replicate the adjustment approach in other DHSs, apply the adjustment approach in an external empirical context, and assess the robustness of the technique to different adjustme...

due to urbanization and consequent environmental problems in iran, many people have been interested in improving the weather quality. lack of information about health risks as a result of pollution is a big obstacle which stops policy-making in this regard. the present study examines the type of relationship between low air quality and tehran citizens’ willingness to pay in order to improve wea...

the study was designed to analyze credit receipt and enterprise performance by small scale agro based enterprises in the niger delta region of nigeria. a multistage sampling technique was adopted in selecting 264 agro based enterprises and 96 agro based enterprises that accessed informal and formal credit respectively. the heckman model was used to examine the factors affecting amount of inform...