Comparing Predictive Accuracy

35 Pages Posted: 25 Jul 2000 Last revised: 19 Jun 2023

See all articles by Francis X. Diebold

Francis X. Diebold

University of Pennsylvania - Department of Economics; National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

Roberto S. Mariano

Singapore Management University

Date Written: November 1994

Abstract

Using research designs patterned after randomized experiments, many recent economic studies examine outcome measures for treatment groups and comparison groups that are not randomly assigned. By using variation in explanatory variables generated by changes in state laws, government draft mechanisms, or other means, these studies obtain variation that is readily examined and is plausibly exogenous. This paper describes the advantages of these studies and suggests how they can be improved. It also provides aids in judging the validity of inferences they draw. Design complications such as multiple treatment and comparison groups and multiple pre- or post-intervention observations are advocated.

Suggested Citation

Diebold, Francis X. and Mariano, Roberto S., Comparing Predictive Accuracy (November 1994). NBER Working Paper No. t0169, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=225132

Francis X. Diebold (Contact Author)

University of Pennsylvania - Department of Economics ( email )

Ronald O. Perelman Center for Political Science
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National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

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Roberto S. Mariano

Singapore Management University ( email )

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