The Neoclassical Growth Model Predicts That for Identical Savings Rates $\widehat { g 6090 } = \widehat { \beta _ { 0 } } + \widehat { \beta _ { 1 } } \times \operatorname { RelProd } _ { 60 }$

question 27

Essay

The neoclassical growth model predicts that for identical savings rates and population growth rates, countries should converge to the per capita income level. This is referred to as the convergence hypothesis. One way to test for the presence of convergence is to compare the growth rates over time to the initial starting level, i.e., to run the regression $\widehat { g 6090 } = \widehat { \beta _ { 0 } } + \widehat { \beta _ { 1 } } \times \operatorname { RelProd } _ { 60 }$ , where $g 6090$ is the average annual growth rate of GDP per worker for the 1960-1990 sample period, and $\operatorname { RelProd } _ { 60 }$ is GDP per worker relative to the United States in 1960. Under the null hypothesis of no convergence, $\beta _ { 1 } = 0 ; H _ { 1 } : \beta _ { 1 } < 0$ , implying ("beta") convergence. Using a standard regression package, you get the following output: Dependent Variable: G6090
Method: Least Squares
Date: 07/11/06 Time: 05:46
Sample: 1104
Included observations: 104
White Heteroskedasticity-Consistent Standard Errors & Covariance

You are delighted to see that this program has already calculated p-values for you.
However, a peer of yours points out that the correct p-value should be 0.4562.
Who is right?

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Definitions:

Variable Costing

A costing method that includes only variable manufacturing costs—direct materials, direct labor, and variable manufacturing overhead—in the cost of a unit of product.

Contribution Margin

The difference between sales revenue and variable costs, used to cover fixed costs and generate profit.

Variable Costing

A costing method that only includes variable costs (direct materials, direct labor, and variable manufacturing overhead) in product costs, while fixed costs are expensed in the period they are incurred.

Absorption Costing

An accounting method that includes both variable and fixed manufacturing overhead costs in the cost of a unit of product.