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Informational Asymmetries and Observational Learning in Search

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  • Liran Einav

Abstract

As economics modeling moves from super rational decision makers to considering boundedly rational agents, some economic problems deserve a second look. This paper studies the effects of learning on the efficiency of search. Once learning is taken into account, the structure of information flow becomes important. In particular, I highlight the truncated information structure in the search problem. Agents stop searching once a sufficiently attractive price is found. Therefore, they observe the performance of shorter searches, but do not directly observe the performance of longer searches. I design and conduct an experiment to test the hypothesis that this asymmetric flow of information leads agents to search too little. I find strong evidence in its favor. This suggests that in the presence of learning, the provision of a more symmetric information structure will make search more efficient. Copyright Springer Science + Business Media, Inc. 2005

Suggested Citation

  • Liran Einav, 2005. "Informational Asymmetries and Observational Learning in Search," Journal of Risk and Uncertainty, Springer, vol. 30(3), pages 241-259, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jrisku:v:30:y:2005:i:3:p:241-259
    DOI: 10.1007/s11166-005-6563-7
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    2. Marcela Ibanez & Simon Czermak & Matthias Sutter, "undated". "Searching for a better deal - On the influence of group decision making, time pressure and gender in a search experiment," Working Papers 2008-05, Faculty of Economics and Statistics, Universität Innsbruck.
    3. Matsumoto, Brett & Spence, Forrest, 2016. "Price beliefs and experience: Do consumers’ beliefs converge to empirical distributions with repeated purchases?," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 126(PA), pages 243-254.
    4. Marcu, Emanuel & Noussair, Charles, 2018. "Sequential Search with a Price Freeze Option - Theory and Experimental Evidence," Discussion Paper 2018-029, Tilburg University, Center for Economic Research.
    5. Daniel Stone & Basit Zafar, 2014. "Do we follow others when we should outside the lab? Evidence from the AP top 25," Journal of Risk and Uncertainty, Springer, vol. 49(1), pages 73-102, August.
    6. Gijs Kuilen & Peter Wakker, 2006. "Learning in the Allais paradox," Journal of Risk and Uncertainty, Springer, vol. 33(3), pages 155-164, December.
    7. Enrico Moretti, 2011. "Social Learning and Peer Effects in Consumption: Evidence from Movie Sales," The Review of Economic Studies, Review of Economic Studies Ltd, vol. 78(1), pages 356-393.
    8. Alan Schwartz, 2008. "How Much Irrationality Does the Market Permit?," The Journal of Legal Studies, University of Chicago Press, vol. 37(1), pages 131-159, January.

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    Keywords

    search; learning; experiment; regret;
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