Arbeitspapier

Top-down versus bottom-up macroeconomics

I distinguish two types of macroeconomic models. The first type are top-down models in which some or all agents are capable of understanding the whole picture and use this superior information to determine their optimal plans. The second type are bottom-up models in which all agents experience cognitive limitations. As a result, these agents are only capable of understanding and using small bits of information. These are models in which agents use simple rules of behavior. These models are not devoid of rationality. Agents in these models behave rationally in that they are willing to learn from their mistakes. These two types of models produce a radically different macroeconomic dynamics. I analyze these differences.

Language
Englisch

Bibliographic citation
Series: CESifo Working Paper ; No. 3020

Classification
Wirtschaft
General Aggregative Models: General
Business Fluctuations; Cycles
Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
Subject
DSGE-model
imperfect information
heuristics
animal spirits
Makroökonomik
Dynamisches Gleichgewicht
Sunspot
Unvollkommene Information
Mikroökonomische Fundierung
Theorie

Event
Geistige Schöpfung
(who)
De Grauwe, Paul
Event
Veröffentlichung
(who)
Center for Economic Studies and ifo Institute (CESifo)
(where)
Munich
(when)
2010

Handle
Last update
10.03.2025, 11:41 AM CET

Data provider

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Object type

  • Arbeitspapier

Associated

  • De Grauwe, Paul
  • Center for Economic Studies and ifo Institute (CESifo)

Time of origin

  • 2010

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