Panel data is a term used in statistics, and refers to data that is collected over time from the same subjects or individuals. The spelling of the word "panel data" is pronounced as /ˈpænəl ˈdeɪtə/. The first syllable, "pan", is pronounced with a short "a" sound followed by the consonant sound "n". The second syllable, "el", is pronounced with the long "e" sound and the consonant sound "l". The final syllable, "data", is pronounced with the stressed "a" sound followed by the consonant sound "t" and the unstressed schwa sound "ə".
Panel data refers to a type of data structure commonly used in econometrics and social sciences research. It is a longitudinal dataset that contains information collected over time from multiple entities or individuals. The entities or individuals, also known as panels or units, are typically observed repeatedly at regular intervals, such as monthly, quarterly, or annually.
Panel data combines elements from both cross-sectional data and time series data. Cross-sectional data refers to information collected at a single point in time from a large group of entities, while time series data involves observing one or more variables over a period of time. In panel data, the same individuals or entities are observed over time, allowing for the analysis of individual and time effects.
Panel data provides a rich source of information as it allows researchers to capture both individual-specific characteristics and time-specific variations. It offers several advantages over other types of data, such as increased efficiency in estimating parameters, improved control for unobserved individual heterogeneity, and the ability to account for dynamic relationships.
Panel data is extensively used in a variety of research fields, including economics, finance, sociology, and public policy. Econometric models such as fixed effects and random effects models are commonly used to analyze panel data. These models help researchers account for both individual heterogeneity and time-varying factors, enabling them to examine complex relationships and make meaningful inferences about causality.
The word "panel data" has its roots in statistics and econometrics.
The term "panel" comes from the idea of a panel survey, which is a type of research where individuals or entities are surveyed repeatedly over time. Each individual or entity in the survey is called a panel unit. The survey collects data on these panel units at different time points, allowing researchers to analyze changes and trends over time.
The term "data" refers to the information or observations gathered in a study or research. In panel data analysis, the data includes both cross-sectional observations (gathered at a specific point in time) and longitudinal observations (collected over a period of time). This type of data provides more comprehensive information for statistical analysis and modeling.
The combination of "panel" and "data" in "panel data" denotes the collection and analysis of data that includes both cross-sectional and longitudinal aspects.