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To choose or not to choose: An experiment in hedging strategies and risk preferences

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  • Butler, Matthew J.
  • Cardon, James H.
  • Showalter, Mark H.

Abstract

We conduct a small field experiment on hedging and risk-taking in a relatively high-stakes environment. Students in an economics principles class at a large private university are allowed to choose multiple answers on multiple choice exams with a corresponding reduction in the maximum attainable points. In addition to the usual grade pressure for such classes, this class is also a key component for determining entrance into a coveted limited enrollment business major. We control for question difficulty using a second section of the same course taught by the same instructor. We also build a simple model to explain the findings. We find hedging propensities increase with the question number, suggesting that fatigue plays a role in students’ decisions. We also find that student quality (as measured by ACT scores) significantly reduces hedging on the Final exam but not on the Midterm. This may be evidence of learning among more able students.

Suggested Citation

  • Butler, Matthew J. & Cardon, James H. & Showalter, Mark H., 2017. "To choose or not to choose: An experiment in hedging strategies and risk preferences," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), Elsevier, vol. 67(C), pages 14-19.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:soceco:v:67:y:2017:i:c:p:14-19
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socec.2017.01.010
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    6. María Paz Espinosa & Javier Gardeazabal, 2013. "Do Students Behave Rationally in Multiple Choice Tests? Evidence from a Field Experiment," Journal of Economics and Management, College of Business, Feng Chia University, Taiwan, vol. 9(2), pages 107-135, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Huong Trang Kim & Quang Nguyen, 2024. "Linking top managers’ behavioural traits with business practices and firm performance," Review of Managerial Science, Springer, vol. 18(11), pages 3253-3296, November.

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