Maximum likelihood estimation of the Markov chain model with macro data and the ecological inference model

This CPB Discussion Paper merges two isolated bodies of literature: the Markov chain model with macro data (MacRae, 1977) and the ecological inference model (Robinson, 1950). Both are choice models. They have the same likelihood function and the same regression equation. Decades ago, this likelihood function was computationally demanding. This has led to the use of several approximate methods. Due to the improvement in computer hardware and software since 1977, exact maximum likelihood should now be the preferred estimation method.