u/JacopoX1993

Elasticity interpretation in linear regression models with powers of logarithms [Question]

Hi everyone, thanks for reading this! Here is my question, for a TL:DR feel free to skip to the question at the very end.

In a linear regression of the form

log(y) = a + b log(x) + u

b can be interpreted as the constant elasticity of y with respect to x. In models which do not involve logarithms, like

y = a + b x + c x^2 + d x z + u

quadratic, cubic... and mixed terms allow the partial effect of x to depend on the value of x and/or other regressors. I am trying to put these two notions together, to allow for models of the form, for instance,

(*) log(y) = a + b log(x) + c log^2(x) + d log(x)z + u

A little bit of calculus shows

D log(y)/D x = (b + 2c log(x) + z)/x

So that for small Delta x it holds approximately

Delta log(y) = (Delta y)/y = (b + 2c log(x) + z) * (Delta x)/x

Would it be correct to state that the model (*) allows for a variable elasticity, with the elasticity at given values of x, z, given by b + 2c log(x) + z?

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u/JacopoX1993 — 7 days ago