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Signature size and individual preferences

Author

Listed:
  • Li, Xun
  • Cui, Yingjie
  • Zhang, Lu
  • Chen, Yuan
  • Yu, Qikexin

Abstract

In this digital economy, customers' handwriting, such as signatures and related characteristics, can be easily collected and quantitatively analyzed. From the perspective of decision-making, obtaining information from signature characteristics is an important data-driven business leverage. In this regard, can we infer individual preferences from signatures? Through a large-scale laboratory experiment, this study measured the participants’ risk and time preferences and collected their signature information in order to determine the influence of behavioral preferences on their signatures. Based on the empirical results, the higher the risk and ambiguity aversion of the participants, the smaller were their signature sizes. Moreover, the greater their level of patience, the more likely their signatures showed a trend of increasing size. Overall, this study fills a research gap in signature-related behavior by highlighting the application of text mining in digital handwriting, especially in broad business settings such as the insurance industry.

Suggested Citation

  • Li, Xun & Cui, Yingjie & Zhang, Lu & Chen, Yuan & Yu, Qikexin, 2024. "Signature size and individual preferences," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 137(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecmode:v:137:y:2024:i:c:s0264999324001299
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econmod.2024.106773
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • D01 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Microeconomic Behavior: Underlying Principles
    • D81 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making

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