High-dimensional semi-supervised learning: in search of optimal inference of the mean

Summary A fundamental challenge in semi-supervised learning lies in the observed data’s disproportional size when compared with the size of the data collected with missing outcomes. An implicit understanding is that the dataset with missing outcomes, being significantly larger, ought to improve estimation and inference. However, it is unclear to what extent this is correct. We illustrate one clear benefit: root-$n$ inference of the outcome’s mean is possible while only requiring a consistent estimation of the outcome, possibly at a rate slower than root $n$. This is achieved by a novel $k$-fold, cross-fitted, double robust estimator. We discuss both linear and nonlinear outcomes. Such an estimator is particularly suited for models that naturally do not admit root-$n$ consistency, such as high-dimensional, nonparametric or semiparametric models. We apply our methods to estimating heterogeneous treatment effects.