Evaluation of macroeconometric models

The disparity between the practice of applied econometricians and the econometric methodology they claim to profess has been widely noted. This paper attempts to examine and systematize the practice in a way that recognizes the variety of practical, theoretical and statistical considerations that applied econometric work must take account of. The discussion is organized under three criteria: relevance, consistency and adequacy; and the relationship between these criteria and the current critiques of applied econometrics is examined.