This book considers the benefits of complexity, suggesting that economists should become a bit less certain in their policy conclusions. A broader range of models would include agent-based models, which use computational power to deal with specification of models that are far beyond analytic solution; and non-linear dynamic stochastic models, many of which are beyond analytic solution, but whose nature can be discovered by a combination of analytics and computer simulations.

To do science is to find patterns, and scientists are always looking for p- terns that they can use to structure their thinking about the world around them. Patterns are found in data, which is why science is inevitably a qu- titative study. But there is a difficulty in finding stable patterns in the data since many patterns are temporary phenomena that have occurred r- domly, and highly sophisticated empirical methods are necessary to dist- guish stable patterns from temporary or random patterns. When a scientist thinks he has found a stable pattern, he will generally try to capture that...

Colanders Macroeconomics 11e is specifically designed to help today's students succeed in the principles of economics course and grasp economics concepts they can apply in their daily lives. Colander's trademark colloquial approach focuses on modern economics, institutions, history, and modeling. Colander presents and applies economic models, but also encourages students to think about model nuances, building their critical thinking skills and applying models to the real world. Content in Colander is organized around learning objectives to make it easier for students to understand the...

Colanders Microeconomics 11e is specifically designed to help today's students succeed in the principles of economics course and grasp economics concepts they can apply in their daily lives. Colander's trademark colloquial approach focuses on modern economics, institutions, history, and modeling. Colander presents and applies economic models, but also encourages students to think about model nuances, building their critical thinking skills and applying models to the real world. Content in Colander is organized around learning objectives to make it easier for students to understand the...