What Is Weighted Least Squares Estimator?

Weighted Least Squares (WLS) Estimator is a powerful statistical method used when the covariance matrix of the errors is diagonal. It minimizes the sum of squares of residuals weighted by the inverse of the variance of each observation, giving more weight to more reliable observations.

Weighted Least Squares (WLS) Estimator is a critical tool in statistical analysis, particularly useful when dealing with datasets where the variance of the observations is not constant (heteroscedasticity). This article will delve into the history, types, key events, detailed explanations, mathematical formulations, importance, applicability, and related terms of WLS.

Historical Context

The concept of WLS arose from the need to improve the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) method when assumptions of homoscedasticity (constant variance) are violated. Introduced formally in the mid-20th century, WLS addresses the limitations of OLS in dealing with heteroscedastic errors by assigning different weights to observations based on their variance.

Key Events

• 1950s: Emergence of WLS as an extension of OLS.
• 1970s: Widespread application in econometrics and engineering.
• 2000s: Inclusion in standard statistical software packages.

Detailed Explanation

WLS aims to minimize the weighted sum of squared residuals. The weights are typically chosen as the inverse of the variance of each observation to account for heteroscedasticity. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

Mathematical Formulation

Given a linear model:

$$ y_i = \beta_0 + \beta_1 x_i + \epsilon_i $$

The OLS estimator minimizes:

$$ \sum_{i=1}^{n} \epsilon_i^2 $$

In contrast, the WLS estimator minimizes:

$$ \sum_{i=1}^{n} w_i \epsilon_i^2 $$

Where \( w_i \) is the weight for each observation, often chosen as \( \frac{1}{\sigma_i^2} \).

The WLS estimator for the coefficients \( \beta \) is given by:

$$ \hat{\beta} = (X'WX)^{-1}X'Wy $$

Where:

• \( X \) is the matrix of explanatory variables.
• \( W \) is the diagonal weight matrix with elements \( \frac{1}{\sigma_i^2} \).
• \( y \) is the vector of observed values.

Diagram in Hugo-Compatible Mermaid Format

    graph TD;
	    A[Data with Heteroscedasticity] --> B[Calculate Variance of Observations];
	    B --> C[Determine Weights as Inverse of Variance];
	    C --> D[Formulate Weight Matrix W];
	    D --> E[Compute WLS Estimator];
	    E --> F[Optimized Regression Model];

Importance and Applicability

• Importance: The WLS estimator provides unbiased and efficient parameter estimates when there is heteroscedasticity.
• Applicability: WLS is widely used in fields such as econometrics, engineering, and biostatistics, especially when data shows varying levels of reliability.

Examples and Considerations

• Example: In a survey with varying response reliability across different demographics, WLS helps in accurately estimating the relationship between survey responses and demographic variables.
• Considerations: Proper selection of weights is crucial. Incorrect weights can lead to biased estimations.

Related Terms

• Ordinary Least Squares (OLS): Assumes homoscedastic errors and minimizes the unweighted sum of squared residuals.
• Heteroscedasticity: A situation in regression analysis where the variance of errors differs across observations.
• Generalized Least Squares (GLS): Extends WLS by considering non-diagonal covariance matrices.

Comparisons

• WLS vs. OLS: WLS addresses heteroscedasticity by weighting observations, while OLS assumes constant variance.
• WLS vs. GLS: WLS assumes diagonal covariance, whereas GLS can handle more complex covariance structures.

Interesting Facts

• Software Implementation: Most statistical software like R, Stata, and Python libraries (statsmodels) offer built-in functions for WLS estimation.
• Historical Use: Early applications of WLS can be traced back to studies in agriculture and econometrics.

Inspirational Stories

• Real-World Application: Economists using WLS improved the accuracy of economic models predicting consumer behavior by accounting for varying data reliability.

Famous Quotes

• John Tukey: “The combination of some data and an aching desire for an answer does not ensure that a reasonable answer can be extracted from a given body of data.”

Proverbs and Clichés

• “A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.”

Expressions, Jargon, and Slang

• “Weight the data”: Assign importance to data points based on their reliability.
• [“Heteroscedasticity”](https://financedictionarypro.com/definitions/h/heteroscedasticity/ ““Heteroscedasticity””): Varying levels of error variance in data.

FAQs

When should I use WLS instead of OLS?

Use WLS when you suspect or know that the variance of the errors differs across observations (heteroscedasticity).

How do I choose weights in WLS?

Typically, weights are chosen as the inverse of the variance of each observation’s error term.

What software can I use to perform WLS?

Common statistical software includes R, Stata, and Python (statsmodels).

References

1. Greene, W.H. (2018). Econometric Analysis. Pearson.
2. Kutner, M.H., Nachtsheim, C.J., & Neter, J. (2004). Applied Linear Regression Models. McGraw-Hill/Irwin.
3. Wooldridge, J.M. (2016). Introductory Econometrics: A Modern Approach. Cengage Learning.

Final Summary

Weighted Least Squares Estimator is an essential technique in statistical modeling, particularly when dealing with heteroscedastic data. By minimizing the weighted sum of squared residuals, WLS produces more reliable parameter estimates, ensuring that models are both unbiased and efficient. Its wide applicability and robust theoretical foundation make it indispensable in various fields, from econometrics to engineering.