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Learning-by-Doing or Habit Formation?

Author

Listed:
  • Hafedh Bouakez

    (HEC Montreal)

  • Takashi Kano

    (Bank of Canada)

Abstract

In a recent paper, Chang, Gomes, and Schorfheide (American Economic Review 2002, p. 1498-1520) extend the standard real business cycle (RBC) model to allow for a learning-by-doing (LBD) mechanism whereby current labor supply affects future productivity. They show that this feature magnifies the propagation of shocks and improves the matching performance of the standard RBC model. In this paper, we show that the LBD model is nearly observationally equivalent to an RBC model with habit formation in labor (or, equivalently, in leisure). Under the same calibration of the parameters, the two models share the same equilibrium paths of output, consumption, and investment, but have different implications for hours worked. Using Bayesian techniques, we investigate which of the LBD and Habit models fits the U.S. data better. Our results suggest that the Habit specification is more strongly supported by the data. (Copyright: Elsevier)

Suggested Citation

  • Hafedh Bouakez & Takashi Kano, 2006. "Learning-by-Doing or Habit Formation?," Review of Economic Dynamics, Elsevier for the Society for Economic Dynamics, vol. 9(3), pages 508-524, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:red:issued:v:9:y:2006:i:3:p:508-524
    DOI: 10.1016/j.red.2006.02.003
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • C52 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Model Evaluation, Validation, and Selection
    • E32 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Business Fluctuations; Cycles
    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply

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