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Smoothing preference kinks with information

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  • Chambers, Robert G.
  • Melkonyan, Tigran

Abstract

We identify conditions under which receipt of information in the form of a (potentially) ambiguous signal leads to a smoother maximin expected utility (MEU) preference structure which translates behaviorally into a smaller no-trade price zone. Narrowing of the no-trade price zone depends critically on the rectangularity of the belief structure, which, in the context of an MEU model, is a requirement of dynamic consistency in Machina's sense. Another important factor affecting the size of the no-trade price zone is the relative contribution of ambiguity in signals and ambiguity in posterior beliefs to the degree of prior ambiguity over market events.

Suggested Citation

  • Chambers, Robert G. & Melkonyan, Tigran, 2009. "Smoothing preference kinks with information," Mathematical Social Sciences, Elsevier, vol. 58(2), pages 173-189, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:matsoc:v:58:y:2009:i:2:p:173-189
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    Cited by:

    1. Melkonyan, Tigran A., 2011. "The Effect of Communicating Ambiguous Risk Information on Choice," Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Western Agricultural Economics Association, vol. 36(2), pages 1-21, August.

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