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Claim Validation

Author

Listed:
  • Nabil Al-Najjar
  • Luciano Pomatto
  • Alvaro Sandroni

Abstract

Hume (1748) challenged the idea that a general claim (e.g. "all swans are white") can be validated by empirical evidence, no matter how compelling. We examine this issue from the perspective of a tester who must accept or reject the forecasts of a potential expert. If experts can be skeptical about the validity of claims then they can strategically evade rejection. In contrast, if experts are required to conclude that claims backed by sucient evidence are likely to be true, then they can be tested and rejected. These results provide an economic rationale for claim validation based on incentive problems.

Suggested Citation

  • Nabil Al-Najjar & Luciano Pomatto & Alvaro Sandroni, 2014. "Claim Validation," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 104(11), pages 3725-3736, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aecrev:v:104:y:2014:i:11:p:3725-36
    Note: DOI: 10.1257/aer.104.11.3725
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D82 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Asymmetric and Private Information; Mechanism Design

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