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A Measure of Behavioral Heterogeneity

Author

Listed:
  • Jose Apesteguia
  • Miguel A. Ballester

Abstract

In this paper, we propose a novel way to measure behavioral heterogeneity in a population of stochastic individuals. Our measure is choice-based; it evaluates the probability that, over a randomly selected menu, the sampled choices of two sampled individuals differ. We provide axiomatic foundations for this measure and a decomposition result that separates heterogeneity into its intrapersonal and interpersonal components.

Suggested Citation

  • Jose Apesteguia & Miguel A. Ballester, 2026. "A Measure of Behavioral Heterogeneity," American Economic Journal: Microeconomics, American Economic Association, vol. 18(2), pages 1-21, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aejmic:v:18:y:2026:i:2:p:1-21
    DOI: 10.1257/mic.20240239
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D01 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Microeconomic Behavior: Underlying Principles
    • D11 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Theory
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making

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