In this paper we evaluate the empirical relevance of learning by private agents in an estimated medium–scale DSGE model. We replace the standard rational expectation assumption in the Smets and Wouters (2007) model by a constant gain learning mechanism. If agents know the correct structure of...

We extend a continuous—time approach to the analysis of escape dynamics in economic models with adaptive learning with constant gain. This approach is based on applying results of continuous—time version of large deviations theory to the diffusion approximation of the original...

We propose a computational model to study (the evolution of) post-secondary education. “Consumers” who differ in quality shop around for desirable colleges or universities. “Firms” that differ in quality signal the availability of their services to desirable students. As long as they...

The usual conclusion in the literature is that sunspots reduce welfare because of the agents' risk aversion. However, if sunspots can lead to escape from an inferior steady state (poverty trap), this conclusion does not necessarily hold. Escaping trajectories can have much higher welfare than...

This paper studies the dynamical properties of an extension of the well—known Romer model of endogenous growth introduced by Benhabib, Perli, and Xie (1994). This model differs from the Romer model by introducing complementarity of intermediate capital goods. It allows an indeterminate steady...

In this paper, we perform an in—depth investigation of relative merits of two adaptive learning algorithms with constant gain, Recursive Least Squares (RLS) and Stochastic Gradient (SG), using the Phelps model of monetary policy as a testing ground. The behavior of the two learning algorithms...

In their recent paper, Boldrin and Montes (2005) analyze the “return on human capital investment” theory and show that if borrowing for education is not possible, then a combined public education and pension system that uses lump sum taxes and transfers can replicate the first-best...

This paper studies the influence of different modelling assumptions on the determinacy of the steady state in one—sector models of economic growth with externalities in the production function. We show that productive public spending subject to congestion, combined with variable capital...

We propose a computational model to study (the evolution of) post-secondary education. "Consumer" who differ in quality shop around for desirable colleges or universities. "Firm" that differ in quality signal the availability of their services to desirable students. Colleges and universities, as...

This paper considers the well known Romer model of endogenous technological change and its extension where different intermediate capital goods are complementary, introduced in (Benhabib, Perli, and Xie 1994). They have shown that this modification allows indeterminate steady state for...