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When the cost has sunk: Measuring and comparing the sunk-cost bias in autistic and neurotypical persons

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  • Rogge, Nicky

Abstract

This paper measures and compares the sunk-cost bias among autistic adults, and neurotypical controls. Frequent influencing personality traits and task factors affecting the sunk-cost bias such as age, gender, and education level, time spent in the decision task, and the level of sunk cost (e.g., very low, low, moderate, and high), are controlled for in the analysis. Results show that both autistic and neurotypical individuals are subject to the sunk-cost bias, however, with autistic individuals being less affected by this bias. Results also show significant differences among subgroups of autistic and neurotypical individuals, with autistic individuals with more autism traits being less subject to the sunk-cost bias. For individuals with autism, time spent in the decision task is found to be negatively associated to the sunk-cost bias.

Suggested Citation

  • Rogge, Nicky, 2021. "When the cost has sunk: Measuring and comparing the sunk-cost bias in autistic and neurotypical persons," Journal of Economic Psychology, Elsevier, vol. 87(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:joepsy:v:87:y:2021:i:c:s0167487021000647
    DOI: 10.1016/j.joep.2021.102432
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Autism spectrum disorder; Decision making; Sunk-cost bias;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C12 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Hypothesis Testing: General
    • C21 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making

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