Forecasting with Econometric Methods: Folklore Versus Fact

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Marketing Papers
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Evidence from social psychology suggests that econometricians will avoid evidence that disconfirms their beliefs. Two beliefs of econometricians were examined: (1) Econometric methods provide more accurate short-term forecasts than do other methods; and (2) more complex econometric methods yield more accurate forecasts. A survey of 21 experts in econometrics found that 95% agreed with the first statement and 72% agreed with the second. A review of the published empirical evidence yielded little support for either of the two statements in the 41 studies. The method of multiple hypotheses was suggested as a research strategy that will lead to more effective use of disconfirming evidence. Although this strategy was suggested in 1890, it has only recently been used by econometricians.

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1978-10-01
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Postprint version. Published in Journal of Business, Volume 51, Issue 4, October 1978, pages 549-564. Publisher URL: http://www.jstor.org/browse/00219398?config=jstor
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