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The Market for Lemmas

Author

Listed:
  • Philip R. P. Coelho

    (Department of Economics, Ball State University)

  • James E. McClure

    (Department of Economics, Ball State University)

Abstract

We consider the use of complex mathematics in economics. The evidence suggests that the usage of complex mathematics has escalated significantly over the past half century. The empirical evidence indicates that complex mathematical models in economic theory have generated few operational propositions. However, with only one exception, none of the economics articles that were published in a set of prestigious journals and had 500 or more citations in the journal literature could be considered highly complex using our metrics. In contrast articles in econometrics/statistics that had 500 or more citations in the literature were frequently complex by our metrics. The usage of complex mathematics in the most highly cited articles in economics versus econometrics/statistics was significantly different, both statistically and quantitatively.

Suggested Citation

  • Philip R. P. Coelho & James E. McClure, 2007. "The Market for Lemmas," Working Papers 200702, Ball State University, Department of Economics, revised Apr 2007.
    • Handle: RePEc:bsu:wpaper:200702
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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