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Behavioral patterns and reduction of sub-optimality: an experimental choice analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Daniela Cagno

    (Luiss)

  • Arianna Galliera

    (Luiss
    Politecnico di Milano)

  • Werner Güth

    (Luiss
    Max Planck Institute)

  • Noemi Pace

    (Ca’ Foscari University of Venice)

Abstract

This paper attempts to identify behavioral patterns and compare their average success considering several criteria of bounded rationality. Experimentally observed choice behavior in various decision tasks is used to assess heterogeneity in how individual participants respond to 15 randomly ordered portfolio choices, each of which is experienced twice. Treatments differ in (not) granting probability information and in (not) eliciting aspirations. Since in our setting neither other regarding concerns nor risk attitude matter and probability of the binary chance move is (optimal) choice irrelevant, categorizing decision types relies on parameter dependence and choice adaptations. We find that most participants reduce systematically sub-optimality when following the identified criteria.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniela Cagno & Arianna Galliera & Werner Güth & Noemi Pace, 2018. "Behavioral patterns and reduction of sub-optimality: an experimental choice analysis," Theory and Decision, Springer, vol. 85(2), pages 151-177, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:theord:v:85:y:2018:i:2:d:10.1007_s11238-018-9653-0
    DOI: 10.1007/s11238-018-9653-0
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Herbert A. Simon, 1955. "A Behavioral Model of Rational Choice," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 69(1), pages 99-118.
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    7. Daniela Di Cagno & Arianna Galliera & Werner Güth & Francesca Marzo & Noemi Pace, 2017. "(Sub) Optimality and (non) optimal satisficing in risky decision experiments," Theory and Decision, Springer, vol. 83(2), pages 195-243, August.
    8. Greiner, Ben, 2004. "An Online Recruitment System for Economic Experiments," MPRA Paper 13513, University Library of Munich, Germany.
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    Cited by:

    1. Daniela Di Cagno & Werner Güth & Noemi Pace, 2021. "Experimental evidence of behavioral improvement by learning and intermediate advice," Theory and Decision, Springer, vol. 91(2), pages 173-187, September.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    (Un)bounded rationality; Satisficing; Experiments; Heterogeneity;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D03 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Behavioral Microeconomics: Underlying Principles
    • D81 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty
    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior

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