Slope Heterogeneity (SH) Test in Panel Data Analysis
In panel data econometrics, slope heterogeneity refers to the situation where regression coefficients vary across cross-sectional units (e.g., banks, countries, firms). Assuming all units have homogeneous slopes (like in pooled OLS or standard fixed effects models) can lead to biased or misleading inferences, especially in macro-financial panels.
🧠 Why Test for Slope Heterogeneity?
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Real-world economic relationships are often heterogeneous.
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Example: The effect of capital adequacy on profitability may differ across private and public banks.
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Homogeneous slope assumption is too restrictive in cross-country, cross-firm, or cross-bank studies.
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If heterogeneity exists, estimators like MG (Mean Group) or PMG (Pooled Mean Group) are preferred over standard pooled or FE/RE models.
✅ Popular Slope Heterogeneity Tests
📌 1. Pesaran and Yamagata (2008) Slope Heterogeneity Test
This is the most widely used test for SH in panel data.
🔍 Test Procedure:
It evaluates the null hypothesis of slope homogeneity against the alternative of heterogeneous slopes using a modified version of the Swamy test.
🧪 Test Statistics
Let be the individual slope estimates.
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Swamy’s test statistic:
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Pesaran-Yamagata Test (Δ and Δadj):
Where:
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= cross-sections
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= time periods
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= number of regressors
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, = correction terms for small samples
🔍 Hypotheses
Hypothesis | Meaning |
---|---|
H₀ | Slopes are homogeneous across cross-sections |
H₁ | Slopes are heterogeneous (i.e., vary across units) |
📊 Interpreting Results
Statistic | Value | p-value | Conclusion |
---|---|---|---|
Δ | 3.24 | 0.001 | Reject H₀ → Heterogeneity exists |
Δadj | 2.91 | 0.004 | Reject H₀ → Heterogeneity exists |
🔺 If p < 0.05, reject the null — slope heterogeneity is present.
🔁 What to Do If Slope Heterogeneity Exists?
Model Type | Use When |
---|---|
Mean Group (MG) | Heterogeneity exists (fully heterogeneous slopes) |
Pooled Mean Group (PMG) | Short-run heterogeneity but long-run homogeneity |
CCEMG (Common Correlated Effects MG) | If CSD + SH exist |
📝 Summary
Test | Tests for | Handles CSD | Null Hypothesis | Use When |
---|---|---|---|---|
Pesaran-Yamagata SH Test | Slope Homogeneity | ❌ | Slopes are the same across units | Most panel models |
Swamy’s Test | Slope Homogeneity | ❌ | Same as above | MG/PMG models |
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