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Transitive Regret

Author

Listed:
  • Sushil Bikhchandani

    (UCLA)

  • Uzi Segal

    (Boston College)

Abstract

Preferences may arise from regret, i.e., from comparisons with alternatives forgone by the decision maker. We ask whether regret-based behavior is consistent with non-expected utility theories of transitive choice. We show that the answer is no. If choices are governed by ex ante regret and elation then non-expected utility preferences must be intransitive.

Suggested Citation

  • Sushil Bikhchandani & Uzi Segal, 2009. "Transitive Regret," Boston College Working Papers in Economics 711, Boston College Department of Economics, revised 24 Oct 2009.
    • Handle: RePEc:boc:bocoec:711
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. David E. Bell, 1982. "Regret in Decision Making under Uncertainty," Operations Research, INFORMS, vol. 30(5), pages 961-981, October.
    2. Fishburn, Peter C & LaValle, Irving H, 1988. "Context-Dependent Choice with Nonlinear and Nontransitive Preferences," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 56(5), pages 1221-1239, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Fujii, Yoichiro & Okura, Mahito & Osaki, Yusuke, 2016. "Regret, rejoicing, and mixed insurance," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 58(C), pages 126-132.
    2. Karni, Edi & Maccheroni, Fabio & Marinacci, Massimo, 2015. "Ambiguity and Nonexpected Utility," Handbook of Game Theory with Economic Applications,, Elsevier.
    3. Diecidue, Enrico & Somasundaram, Jeeva, 2017. "Regret theory: A new foundation," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 172(C), pages 88-119.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    transitivity; regret; expected utility;
    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

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