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Loss Aversion and Intertemporal Choice: A Laboratory Investigation

Author

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  • Oxoby, Robert J.

    (University of Calgary)

  • Morrison, William G.

    (Wilfrid Laurier University)

Abstract

We present results from a laboratory study of loss aversion in the context of intertemporal choice. We investigate whether the provision of (windfall) endowments results in different elicited discount rates relative to subjects who earn income or earn and retain the income for a period before making intertemporal decisions. We hypothesize that loss aversion in an intertemporal choice yields higher discount rates among subjects earning and retaining. Our results support this hypothesis: among subjects who earn and retain their income we elicit substantially higher discount rates relative to those experiencing a windfall gain.

Suggested Citation

  • Oxoby, Robert J. & Morrison, William G., 2010. "Loss Aversion and Intertemporal Choice: A Laboratory Investigation," IZA Discussion Papers 4854, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp4854
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Todd L. Cherry & Peter Frykblom & Jason F. Shogren, 2002. "Hardnose the Dictator," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 92(4), pages 1218-1221, September.
    2. Maribeth Coller & Melonie Williams, 1999. "Eliciting Individual Discount Rates," Experimental Economics, Springer;Economic Science Association, vol. 2(2), pages 107-127, December.
    3. Jeff Dominitz & Charles F. Manski & Jordan Heinz, 2002. "Social Security Expectations and Retirement Savings Decisions," JCPR Working Papers 273, Northwestern University/University of Chicago Joint Center for Poverty Research.
    4. Shane Frederick & George Loewenstein & Ted O'Donoghue, 2002. "Time Discounting and Time Preference: A Critical Review," Journal of Economic Literature, American Economic Association, vol. 40(2), pages 351-401, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Plamen Nikolov, 2018. "Time Delay and Investment Decisions: Evidence from An Experiment in Tanzania," Economics Bulletin, AccessEcon, vol. 38(2), pages 1124-1137.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    discount rates; intertemporal choice; experiments;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making

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