Preferences for One-Shot Resolution of Uncertainty and Allais-Type Behavior
Abstract
Experimental evidence suggests that individuals are more risk averse when they perceive risk gradually. We address these findings by studying a decision maker (DM) who has recursive preferences over compound lotteries and who cares about the way uncertainty is resolved over time. DM has preferences for one-shot resolution of uncertainty if he always prefers any compound lottery to be resolved in a single stage. We establish an equivalence between dynamic preferences for one-shot resolution of uncertainty and static preferences that are identified with the behavior observed in Allais-type experiments. The implications of this equivalence on preferences over information systems are examined. We define the gradual resolution premium and demonstrate its magnifying effect when combined with the usual risk premium. In an intertemporal context, preferences for one-shot resolution of uncertainty capture narrow framing.Download Info
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Paper provided by University Library of Munich, Germany in its series MPRA Paper with number 8342.Length:
Date of creation: 09 Apr 2008
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Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:8342
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Keywords:Find related papers by JEL classification:
- D81 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty
- D80 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - General
This paper has been announced in the following NEP Reports:
- NEP-ALL-2008-04-29 (All new papers)
- NEP-CBE-2008-04-29 (Cognitive & Behavioural Economics)
- NEP-EVO-2008-04-29 (Evolutionary Economics)
- NEP-UPT-2008-04-29 (Utility Models & Prospect Theory)
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Citations
Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.Cited by:
- Botond Kőszegi, 2010. "Utility from anticipation and personal equilibrium," Economic Theory, Springer, vol. 44(3), pages 415-444, September.
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