Testing Exogeneity in Nonparametric Instrumental Variable Models

Abstract

We propose a test of mean exogeneity in nonparametric instrumental variable models. Under completeness, the null is equivalent to a conditional moment restriction involving the ordinary regression function, so the test avoids estimation of the structural function and its ill-posed inverse problem. We construct a residual-marked empirical process and analyze it through an auxiliary U-process of order two. We derive its limiting distributions under the null and Pitman-type local alternatives of order $n^{-1/2}$, and establish consistency against fixed global alternatives. The analysis reveals a nonparametric estimation effect that invalidates a direct multiplier bootstrap. We propose a computationally simple multiplier bootstrap with a tailor-made indicator correction to account for this effect, and establish its asymptotic validity. Simulations show good size control and power gains over existing methods in the nonparametric designs considered. An application to a wage equation provides evidence against the mean exogeneity of schooling.