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Learn Without Counterfactuals

Author

Listed:
  • Friederike Mengel
  • Javier Rivas

Abstract

In this paper we study learning procedures when counterfactuals (payo s of not-chosen actions) are not observed. The decision maker reasons in two steps: First, she updates her propensities for each action after every payo experience, where propensity is de ned as how much she prefers each action. Then, she transforms these propensities into choice probabilities. We introduce natural axioms in the way propensities are updated and the way propensities are translated into choice, and study the decision marker's behavior when such axioms are in place.

Suggested Citation

  • Friederike Mengel & Javier Rivas, 2010. "Learn Without Counterfactuals," Discussion Papers in Economics 10/15, Division of Economics, School of Business, University of Leicester.
    • Handle: RePEc:lec:leecon:10/15
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    File URL: https://www.le.ac.uk/economics/research/RePEc/lec/leecon/dp10-15.pdf
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Adaptive Learning; Counterfactuals; Partial Information; Reinforcement Learning;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness

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