Abstract A new data-based method of estimation and variable selection in linear statistical models is proposed. This method is based on a generalized maximum entropy formalism, and makes use of both sample and non-sample information in determining a basis for coe$cient shrinkage and extraneous variable identi"cation. In contrast to tradition, shrinkage and variable selection are achieved on a coordinate-by-coordinate basis, and the procedure works well for both ill-and well-posed statistical models. Analytical asymptotic results are presented and sampling experiments are used as a basis for determining "nite sample behavior and comparing the sampling performance of the new estimation rule with traditional competitors. Solution algorithms for the non-linear inversion problem that results are simple to implement. 2001 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved. JEL classixcation: C13; C14; C
