Response to Critiques of “Mortgage Discrimination and FHA Loan Performance”

James A. Berkovec
Glenn B. Canner
Stuart A. Gabriel
Timothy H. Hannan


Abstract

This response discusses the critiques of Ross, Galster, and Yinger, with emphasis on the major issues of omitted variables and the potential for statistical discrimination. In our opinion, these concerns do not invalidate the use of loan performance data to investigate discrimination. Loan performance studies may not provide the complete and final answers to all research issues in lending discrimination, but they should be an integral part of the overall research program designed to understand discrimination and its effects.

Response to Critiques of “Mortgage Discrimination and FHA Loan Performance” (*.pdf, 74 KB)