Preference reversals and probabilistic choice
Abstract
Preference reversals occur when different (but formally equivalent) elicitation methods reveal conflicting preferences over two alternatives. This paper shows that when people have fuzzy preferences i.e. when they choose in a probabilistic manner, their observed decisions can generate systematic preference reversals. A simple model of probabilistic choice and valuation can account for a higher incidence of standard (nonstandard) preference reversals for certainty (probability) equivalents and it can also rationalize the existence of strong reversals. An important methodological contribution of the paper is a new definition of a probabilistic certainty/probability equivalent of a risky lottery.Download Info
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Paper provided by Institute for Empirical Research in Economics - University of Zurich in its series IEW - Working Papers with number 383.Length:
Date of creation: Aug 2008
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Handle: RePEc:zur:iewwpx:383
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Related research
Keywords: Preference reversal; probabilistic choice; certainty equivalent; probability equivalent; valuation;Find related papers by JEL classification:
- D01 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Microeconomic Behavior: Underlying Principles
- D80 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - General
- D81 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty
- C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
This paper has been announced in the following NEP Reports:
- NEP-ALL-2008-09-05 (All new papers)
- NEP-CBE-2008-09-05 (Cognitive & Behavioural Economics)
- NEP-DCM-2008-09-05 (Discrete Choice Models)
- NEP-EVO-2008-09-05 (Evolutionary Economics)
- NEP-UPT-2008-09-05 (Utility Models & Prospect Theory)
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