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Calibration and the Volatility of Labor: A Cautionary Note

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  • Kevin Salyer

    (Department of Economics, University of California Davis)

Abstract

A key parameter in real business cycle models is the weight on the utility of leisure. Typically this parameter is chosen so that the steady-state level of work activity matches the corresponding measure in the data, i.e. the amount of time workers spend in market activity. While the calibration of this parameter is often highlighted in business cycle research, this paper demonstrates that this parameter has no influence on equilibrium characteristics of the Hansen (1985) indivisible labor model, when solved using traditional methods. Hence, the functional form of utility rather than the parameterization of utility is the critical factor.

Suggested Citation

  • Kevin Salyer, 2003. "Calibration and the Volatility of Labor: A Cautionary Note," Working Papers 267, University of California, Davis, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:cda:wpaper:267
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    File URL: https://repec.dss.ucdavis.edu/files/W8KJtnLJoTivG2L2DNd78Cx2/01-7.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hansen, Gary D., 1985. "Indivisible labor and the business cycle," Journal of Monetary Economics, Elsevier, vol. 16(3), pages 309-327, November.
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    Cited by:

    1. Guo, Jang-Ting, 2004. "Increasing returns, capital utilization, and the effects of government spending," Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, Elsevier, vol. 28(6), pages 1059-1078, March.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    calibration; real business cycles;

    JEL classification:

    • E32 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Business Fluctuations; Cycles
    • C68 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Mathematical Methods; Programming Models; Mathematical and Simulation Modeling - - - Computable General Equilibrium Models

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