Reproducibility in forecasting research
Boylan, John, Goodwin, Paul, Mohammadipour, Maryam and Syntetos, Aris A. (2015) Reproducibility in forecasting research. International Journal of Forecasting, 31 (1). pp. 79-90. ISSN 01692070
|
Text
16022_Boylan_J.pdf - Submitted Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives. Download (1MB) | Preview |
Abstract
The importance of replication has been recognised across many scientific disciplines. Reproducibility is a necessary condition for replicability, because an inability to reproduce results implies that the methods have not been specified sufficiently, thus precluding replication. This paper describes how two independent teams of researchers attempted to reproduce the empirical findings of an important paper, “Shrinkage estimators of time series seasonal factors and their effect on forecasting accuracy” (Miller & Williams, 2003). The two teams proceeded systematically, reporting results both before and after receiving clarifications from the authors of the original study. The teams were able to approximately reproduce each other’s results, but not those of Miller and Williams. These discrepancies led to differences in the conclusions as to the conditions under which seasonal damping outperforms classical decomposition. The paper specifies the forecasting methods employed using a flowchart. It is argued that this approach to method documentation is complementary to the provision of computer code, as it is accessible to a broader audience of forecasting practitioners and researchers. The significance of this research lies not only in its lessons for seasonal forecasting but also, more generally, in its approach to the reproduction of forecasting research.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Keywords: | Forecasting practice, Replication, Seasonal forecasting, Empirical research |
| Depositing User: | RED Unit Admin |
| Date Deposited: | 09 Aug 2017 15:46 |
| Last Modified: | 03 Dec 2020 11:23 |
| URI: | https://bnu.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/16022 |
Actions (login required)
 |
Edit Item |