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Signaling covertly acquired information

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  • Ekmekci, Mehmet
  • Kos, Nenad

Abstract

We study the interplay between information acquisition and signaling. A sender decides whether to learn his type at a cost prior to taking a signaling action. A receiver observes the signaling action and responds. We characterize equilibria and apply a version of never a weak best response refinement in the environment where the information acquisition is observable as well as in the environment where it is covert. Covert information acquisition always leads to information acquisition when information is cheap. Observable information acquisition, on the other hand, does not necessarily.

Suggested Citation

  • Ekmekci, Mehmet & Kos, Nenad, 2023. "Signaling covertly acquired information," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 214(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jetheo:v:214:y:2023:i:c:s0022053123001424
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jet.2023.105746
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Signaling; Information acquisition; Refinements; NWBR;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D82 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Asymmetric and Private Information; Mechanism Design
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness

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