Discover how to choose model variables using whole-model testing rather than single-equation statistics.
The work argues that traditional single-equation tests often fail to identify which variables truly shape model behavior. It contrasts these tests with model-behavior analysis, which examines how removing or constraining a variable changes the overall system. Readers will see why data usefulness, not a variable’s isolated significance, should guide variable selection.
Through practical examples at the firm level and in macroeconomic contexts, the material shows how feedback loops and interconnections matter. It demonstrates that a complete system view can clarify when a variable is essential and when its apparent impact is misleading.
- Learn why t-tests and partial correlation coefficients may mislead about a variable’s importance.
- Understand the difference between measuring data usefulness and model specification.
- Explore how whole-model testing analyzes feedback among variables to assess impact.
- See concrete examples at both company and national-economy scales.
Ideal for readers interested in economics, statistics, and the evaluation of social theories through system-wide analysis.