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Reference Dependence and Attribution Bias: Evidence from Real-Effort Experiments

Author

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  • Benjamin Bushong
  • Tristan Gagnon-Bartsch

Abstract

We document a form of attribution bias wherein people wrongly ascribe sensations of positive or negative surprise to the underlying disutility of a real-effort task. Participants in our experiments learned from experience about two unfamiliar tasks, one more onerous than the other. We manipulated expectations about which task they would face: some participants were assigned their task by chance, while others knew their assignment in advance. Hours later, we elicited willingness to work again on that same task. Participants assigned the less (more) onerous task by chance were more (less) willing to work than those who knew their assignment in advance.

Suggested Citation

  • Benjamin Bushong & Tristan Gagnon-Bartsch, 2023. "Reference Dependence and Attribution Bias: Evidence from Real-Effort Experiments," American Economic Journal: Microeconomics, American Economic Association, vol. 15(2), pages 271-308, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aejmic:v:15:y:2023:i:2:p:271-308
    DOI: 10.1257/mic.20210031
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • D84 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Expectations; Speculations
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • M54 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Personnel Economics - - - Labor Management

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