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Heterogeneous Beliefs and School Choice Mechanisms

Author

Listed:
  • Adam Kapor

    (Columbia University)

  • Christopher A. Neilson

    (Princeton University)

  • Seth D. Zimmerman

    (University of Chicago Booth School of Business)

Abstract

This paper studies how welfare outcomes in centralized school choice depend on the assignment mechanism when participants are not fully informed. Using a survey of school choice participants in a strategic setting, we show that beliefs about admissions chances differ from rational expectations values and predict choice behavior. To quantify the welfare costs of belief errors, we estimate a model of school choice that incorporates subjective beliefs. We evaluate the equilibrium effects of switching to a strategy-proof deferred acceptance algorithm, and of improving households' belief accuracy. Allowing for belief errors reverses the welfare comparison to favor the deferred acceptance algorithm.

Suggested Citation

  • Adam Kapor & Christopher A. Neilson & Seth D. Zimmerman, 2017. "Heterogeneous Beliefs and School Choice Mechanisms," Working Papers 612, Princeton University, Department of Economics, Industrial Relations Section..
  • Handle: RePEc:pri:indrel:612
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    JEL classification:

    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I28 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Government Policy

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