John Geweke

Econometric models are widely used in the creation and evaluation of economic policy in the public and private sectors. But these models are useful only if they adequately account for the phenomena in question, and they can be quite misleading if they do not. In response, econometricians have developed tests and other checks for model adequacy. All of these methods, however, take as given the specification of the model to be tested. In this book, John Geweke addresses the critical earlier stage of model development, the point at which potential models are inherently incomplete. Summarizing and extending recent advances in Bayesian econometrics, Geweke shows how simple modern simulation methods can complement the creative process of model formulation. These methods, which are accessible to economics PhD students as well as to practicing applied econometricians, streamline the processes of model development and specification checking. Complete with illustrations from a wide variety of applications, this is an important contribution to econometrics that will interest economists and PhD students alike.

Complete and Incomplete Econometric Models

Murad S. Taqqu

Murray Rosenblatt

David Brillinger

Peter Caines

Emanuel Parzen

Part of a two volume set based on a recent IMA program of the same name. The goal of the program and these books is to develop a community of statistical and other scientists kept up-to-date on developments in this quickly evolving and interdisciplinary field. Consequently, these books present recent material by distinguished researchers. Topics discussed in Part I include nonlinear and non- Gaussian models and processes (higher order moments and spectra, nonlinear systems, applications in astronomy, geophysics, engineering, and simulation) and the interaction of time series analysis and statistics (information model identification, categorical valued time series, nonparametric and semiparametric methods). Self-similar processes and long-range dependence (time series with long memory, fractals, 1/f noise, stable noise) and time series research common to engineers and economists (modeling of multivariate and possibly non-stationary time series, state space and adaptive methods) are discussed in Part II.

Part I

Time Series Analysis and Applications to Geophysical Systems

Tools to improve decision making in an imperfect world This publication provides readers with a thorough understanding ofBayesian analysis that is grounded in the theory of inference andoptimal decision making. Contemporary Bayesian Econometrics andStatistics provides readers with state-of-the-art simulationmethods and models that are used to solve complex real-worldproblems. Armed with a strong foundation in both theory andpractical problem-solving tools, readers discover how to optimizedecision making when faced with problems that involve limited orimperfect data. The book begins by examining the theoretical and mathematicalfoundations of Bayesian statistics to help readers understand howand why it is used in problem solving. The author then describeshow modern simulation methods make Bayesian approaches practicalusing widely available mathematical applications software. Inaddition, the author details how models can be applied to specificproblems, including: * Linear models and policy choices * Modeling with latent variables and missing data * Time series models and prediction * Comparison and evaluation of models The publication has been developed and fine- tuned through a decadeof classroom experience, and readers will find the author'sapproach very engaging and accessible. There are nearly 200examples and exercises to help readers see how effective use ofBayesian statistics enables them to make optimal decisions. MATLAB?and R computer programs are integrated throughout the book. Anaccompanying Web site provides readers with computer code for manyexamples and datasets. This publication is tailored for research professionals who useeconometrics and similar statistical methods in their work. Withits emphasis on practical problem solving and extensive use ofexamples and exercises, this is also an excellent textbook forgraduate-level students in a broad range of fields, includingeconomics, statistics, the social sciences, business, and publicpolicy.

John Geweke

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