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Becker random behavior and the as-if defense of rational choice theory in demand analysis

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  • Ivan Moscati
  • Paola Tubaro

Abstract

In discussing rational choice theory (RCT) as an explanation of demand behavior, Becker (1962, Journal of Political Economy, 70, 1-13) proposed a model of random choice in which consumers pick a bundle on their budget line according to a uniform distribution. This model has then been used in various ways to assess the validity of RCT and to support as-if arguments in defense of it. This paper makes both historical and methodological contributions. Historically, it investigates how the interpretation of Becker random behavior evolved between the original 1962 article and the modern experimental literature on individual demand, and surveys six experiments in which it has been used as an alternative hypothesis to RCT. Methodologically, this paper conducts an assessment of the as-if defense of RCT from the standpoint of Becker's model. It argues that this defense is 'weak' in a number of senses, and that it has negatively influenced the design of experiments about RCT.

Suggested Citation

  • Ivan Moscati & Paola Tubaro, 2011. "Becker random behavior and the as-if defense of rational choice theory in demand analysis," Journal of Economic Methodology, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 18(2), pages 107-128.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:jecmet:v:18:y:2011:i:2:p:107-128
    DOI: 10.1080/1350178X.2011.579147
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    Cited by:

    1. D. Wade Hands, 2014. "Paul Samuelson and Revealed Preference Theory," History of Political Economy, Duke University Press, vol. 46(1), pages 85-116, Spring.
    2. Bojan Krstic, Milos Krstic, 2015. "Rational Choice Theory And Random Behaviour," Ekonomika, Journal for Economic Theory and Practice and Social Issues 2015-01, „Ekonomika“ Society of Economists, Niš (Serbia).
    3. Distefano, Tiziano & Chiarotti, Guido & Laio, Francesco & Ridolfi, Luca, 2019. "Spatial Distribution of the International Food Prices: Unexpected Heterogeneity and Randomness," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 159(C), pages 122-132.
    4. Eileen Tipoe & Abi Adams & Ian Crawford, 2022. "Revealed preference analysis and bounded rationality [Consume now or later? Time inconsistency, collective choice and revealed preference]," Oxford Economic Papers, Oxford University Press, vol. 74(2), pages 313-332.
    5. Emmanuel Kwasi Mensah & Lawrence Adu Asamoah & Vahid Jafari-Sadeghi, 2021. "Entrepreneurial opportunity decisions under uncertainty: Recognizing the complementing role of personality traits and cognitive skills," Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Innovation, Fundacja Upowszechniająca Wiedzę i Naukę "Cognitione", vol. 17(1), pages 25-55.
    6. Krstic, Bojan & Krstic, Milos, 2015. "Rational Choice Theory And Random Behaviour," Ekonomika, Journal for Economic Theory and Practice and Social Issues, Society of Economists Ekonomika, Nis, Serbia, vol. 61(1), pages 1-13, March.
    7. Tiziano Distefano & Guido Chiarotti & Francesco Laio & Luca Ridolfi, 2018. "Spatial distribution of the international food prices: unexpected randomness and heterogeneity," SEEDS Working Papers 0118, SEEDS, Sustainability Environmental Economics and Dynamics Studies, revised Jan 2018.

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