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Subjective probability, confidence, and Bayesian updating

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  • Igor Kopylov

    (University of California, Irvine)

Abstract

I define subjective probabilities for an ambiguity averse agent who is given an exogenous information set $$\varDelta $$ Δ containing the true probability law on the state space S. The agent in my model evaluates every uncertain prospect via a mixture of the least favorable scenario in $$\varDelta $$ Δ and her unique subjective belief p. This parametric utility structure is characterized by four standard axioms—order, continuity, monotonicity, and Independence—where the last two conditions are modified via the information set $$\varDelta $$ Δ . Any pair of preferences $$\succeq _1$$ ⪰ 1 and $$\succeq _2$$ ⪰ 2 in my model can be compared in terms of confidence—the weights attached to the subjective beliefs $$p_1$$ p 1 and $$p_2$$ p 2 , respectively. The corresponding behavioral condition extends Epstein’s comparative ambiguity aversion that leaves some rankings $$\succeq _1$$ ⪰ 1 and $$\succeq _2$$ ⪰ 2 unrelated. Moreover, I relax the well-known dynamic consistency principle and characterize the Bayesian updating rule for the belief p conditional on any non-null event in S.

Suggested Citation

  • Igor Kopylov, 2016. "Subjective probability, confidence, and Bayesian updating," Economic Theory, Springer;Society for the Advancement of Economic Theory (SAET), vol. 62(4), pages 635-658, October.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:joecth:v:62:y:2016:i:4:d:10.1007_s00199-015-0929-0
    DOI: 10.1007/s00199-015-0929-0
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    Cited by:

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    3. Gao, Yongling & Driouchi, Tarik & Bennett, David J., 2018. "Ambiguity aversion in buyer-seller relationships: A contingent-claims and social network explanation," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 200(C), pages 50-67.
    4. Frick, Mira & Iijima, Ryota & Le Yaouanq, Yves, 2022. "Objective rationality foundations for (dynamic) α-MEU," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 200(C).
    5. Nick Saponara, 2018. "Bayesian optimism," Economic Theory, Springer;Society for the Advancement of Economic Theory (SAET), vol. 66(2), pages 375-406, August.
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    7. Dominiak, Adam & Tserenjigmid, Gerelt, 2022. "Ambiguity under growing awareness," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 199(C).
    8. Auster, Sarah, 2018. "Robust contracting under common value uncertainty," Theoretical Economics, Econometric Society, vol. 13(1), January.
    9. Aurélien Baillon & Ning Liu & Dennie Dolder, 2017. "Comparing uncertainty aversion towards different sources," Theory and Decision, Springer, vol. 83(1), pages 1-18, June.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Ambiguity; Bayesian updating; Dynamic consistency; Confidence; Multiple priors; Epsilon contamination;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D81 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness

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