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A check for rational inattention

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  • Howard, Greg

Abstract

Models of rational inattention allow agents to make mistakes in their actions while assuming they do not make mistakes in attention allocation. I test this assumption by comparing attention’s marginal benefit (better actions) and marginal cost (less time for future decisions) using millions of online chess moves. I cannot reject that skilled players equalize marginal benefit and marginal cost across different time controls. Bad players, when they have little time, under-adjust their attention allocation, leading them to have higher marginal cost. A simple intervention improves players' attention allocation.

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  • Howard, Greg, 2021. "A check for rational inattention," MPRA Paper 108243, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:108243
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    Cited by:

    1. Johannes Carow & Niklas M. Witzig, 2024. "Time Pressure and Strategic Risk-Taking in Professional Chess," Working Papers 2404, Gutenberg School of Management and Economics, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    rational inattention; deterministic games; cognitive costs;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C72 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Noncooperative Games
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making

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