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Model choice and size distribution: a Bayequentist approach

Author

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  • John-Oliver Engler

    (Department of Sustainability Sciences and Department of Economics Leuphana University of Lueneburg, Germany)

  • Stefan Baumgaertner

    (Department of Sustainability Sciences and Department of Economics Leuphana University of Lueneburg, Germany)

Abstract

We propose a new three-step model-selection framework for size distributions in empirical data. It generalizes a recent frequentist plausibility-of-fit analysis (Step 1) and combines it with a relative ranking based on the Bayesian Akaike Information Criterion (Step 2). We enhance these statistical criteria with the additional criterion of microfoundation (Step 3) which is to select the size distribution that comes with a dynamic micro model of size dynamics. A numerical performance test of Step 1 shows that our generalization is able to correctly rule out the distribution hypotheses unjustified by the data at hand. We then illustrate our approach, and demonstrate its usefulness, with a sample of commercial cattle farms in Namibia. In conclusion, the framework proposed here has the potential to reconcile the ongoing debate about size distribution models in empirical data, the two most prominent of which are the Pareto and the lognormal distribution.

Suggested Citation

  • John-Oliver Engler & Stefan Baumgaertner, 2013. "Model choice and size distribution: a Bayequentist approach," Working Paper Series in Economics 265, University of Lüneburg, Institute of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:lue:wpaper:265
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    Cited by:

    1. Engler, John-Oliver & von Wehrden, Henrik & Baumgärtner, Stefan, 2019. "Determinants of farm size and stocking rate in Namibian commercial cattle farming," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 81(C), pages 232-246.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    model choice; model selection; hypothesis testing; size distributions; Gibrat's Law; Pareto distribution; rank-size rule; environmental risk; semi-arid rangelands; cattle farming;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C12 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Hypothesis Testing: General
    • C52 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Model Evaluation, Validation, and Selection
    • D30 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - General
    • D31 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - Personal Income and Wealth Distribution
    • O44 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - Environment and Growth

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