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On The Social Dimension Of Time And Risk Preferences: An Experimental Study

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  • WERNER GÜTH
  • M. VITTORIA LEVATI
  • MATTEO PLONER

Abstract

When explaining risk taking, intertemporal allocation, and distributing behavior, economists rely on risk, time, and other‐regarding preferences but offer no guidance on how these three crucial aspects are interrelated. We report on an experiment exploring such interrelation. For this sake, we compare evaluations of several prospects, each of which allocates certain or risky and immediate or delayed payoffs to the actor and to another participant. We find that individuals are self‐oriented as to social allocation of risk and delay and other‐regarding with respect to expected payoffs. (JEL C91, D63, D81)

Suggested Citation

  • Werner Güth & M. Vittoria Levati & Matteo Ploner, 2008. "On The Social Dimension Of Time And Risk Preferences: An Experimental Study," Economic Inquiry, Western Economic Association International, vol. 46(2), pages 261-272, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ecinqu:v:46:y:2008:i:2:p:261-272
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1465-7295.2007.00067.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
    • D81 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty

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