Adaptive Expectations Principle

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Definition: Adaptive Expectations Principle


Adaptive Expectations Principle


Full Definition of Adaptive Expectations Principle


Adaptive Expectations Principle also referred to as the error learning hypothesis, was first used by the American economist Irving Fisher (1867-1947). However, it became popular during the 1950s in the study of hyperinflation.

Adaptive expectations principle holds that the future values of economic variables, such as future interest rates or inflation, can be predicted on the basis of previous values and their margin of error. For example, according to the adaptive expectations principle, forecasters examine the past performance of a particular variable when predicting its future. As new current figures for the variable are released, forecasters accordingly revise their predictions.

Adaptive expectations principle underestimates or overestimates constantly changing variables, and focuses merely on past performance – which is why it was deemed unreliable, and thus abandoned in the early 1970s.


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Definition Sources


Definitions for Adaptive Expectations Principle are sourced/syndicated and enhanced from:

  • A Dictionary of Economics (Oxford Quick Reference)
  • Oxford Dictionary Of Accounting
  • Oxford Dictionary Of Business & Management

This glossary post was last updated: 26th March, 2020 | 0 Views.