Insights from Physics into Development Processes: Are Fat Tails Interesting for Development Research?

Uta Schultze

No 280882, Discussion Papers from University of Bonn, Center for Development Research (ZEF)

Abstract: This article explores the question of whether concepts and methods used in non-equilibrium statistical physics, already successfully applied in biology, epidemiology and finances, can also be a useful tool for research into economic development. The aim of this article is to describe one such phenomenon, the phenomenon of “fat tails”, for a multi-disciplinary public and to stimulate discussion on its potential use. The method is explained and empirically tested by looking at the example of the probability distribution of per capita GNP in various countries. It is shown that this distribution does indeed have “fat tails”. The significance of the appearance of such fat tails is discussed and it is stressed that they reflect a complex dynamic which cannot be captured using only mean values and variances. The article also suggests some other pertinent problems of development research where they may possibly be applied.

Keywords: Research; Methods/Statistical; Methods (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 21
Date: 2000-03
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (8)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ags:ubzefd:280882

DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.280882

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