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Semantics meets attractiveness: Choice by salience

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  • Alfio Giarlotta
  • Angelo Petralia
  • Stephen Watson

Abstract

We describe a context-sensitive model of choice, in which the selection process is shaped not only by the attractiveness of items but also by their semantics ('salience'). All items are ranked according to a relation of salience, and a linear order is associated to each item. The selection of a single element from a menu is justified by one of the linear orders indexed by the most salient items in the menu. The general model provides a structured explanation for any observed behavior, and allows us to to model the 'moodiness' of a decision maker, which is typical of choices requiring as many distinct rationales as items. Asymptotically all choices are moody. We single out a model of linear salience, in which the salience order is transitive and complete, and characterize it by a behavioral property, called WARP(S). Choices rationalizable by linear salience can only exhibit non-conflicting violations of WARP. We also provide numerical estimates, which show the high selectivity of this testable model of bounded rationality.

Suggested Citation

  • Alfio Giarlotta & Angelo Petralia & Stephen Watson, 2022. "Semantics meets attractiveness: Choice by salience," Papers 2204.08798, arXiv.org, revised Aug 2022.
    • Handle: RePEc:arx:papers:2204.08798
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Jos'e Carlos R. Alcantud & Domenico Cantone & Alfio Giarlotta & Stephen Watson, 2022. "Rationalization of indecisive choice behavior by majoritarian ballots," Papers 2210.16885, arXiv.org.

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