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On Probabilistic Expectations and Rounding in Surveys

Author

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  • Fabian Gouret

    (Université de Cergy-Pontoise, THEMA)

Abstract

Answers to subjective probability questions in surveys are mainly heaped to different degrees at multiples of 5 or 10, suggesting that respondents round their responses. Taking these responses at face value is clearly problematic for gross form of rounding, given that a respondent gives a point response when only a wide interval response is meaningful. This paper analyzes three subjective probability questions posed in the Survey of Economic Expectations. The specific format of these questions permits, under some mild assumptions, to develop for each question a measure related to the extent of rounding. Whatever the question, a substantial fraction of answers are rounded grossly; it includes a majority of the 50s, as well as numerous M10. We are also able to find that younger respondents are more likely to provide a gross rounding to one of the question which asks them their expectations concerning the Social Security benefits that they will collect when they will turn 70.

Suggested Citation

  • Fabian Gouret, 2016. "On Probabilistic Expectations and Rounding in Surveys," THEMA Working Papers 2016-10, THEMA (THéorie Economique, Modélisation et Applications), Université de Cergy-Pontoise.
    • Handle: RePEc:ema:worpap:2016-10
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    File URL: http://thema.u-cergy.fr/IMG/pdf/2016-10.pdf
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    probabilistic expectations; rounding; interval data; partial identification.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C81 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - Methodology for Collecting, Estimating, and Organizing Microeconomic Data; Data Access
    • C83 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - Survey Methods; Sampling Methods
    • D8 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty

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