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Rationalization of indecisive choice behavior by majoritarian ballots

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  • Jos'e Carlos R. Alcantud
  • Domenico Cantone
  • Alfio Giarlotta
  • Stephen Watson

Abstract

We describe a model that explains possibly indecisive choice behavior, that is, quasi-choices (choice correspondences that may be empty on some menus). The justification is here provided by a proportion of ballots, which are quasi-choices rationalizable by an arbitrary binary relation. We call a quasi-choice $s$-majoritarian if all options selected from a menu are endorsed by a share of ballots larger than $s$. We prove that all forms of majoritarianism are equivalent to a well-known behavioral property, namely Chernoff axiom. Then we focus on two paradigms of majoritarianism, whereby either a simple majority of ballots justifies a quasi-choice, or the endorsement by a single ballot suffices - a liberal justification. These benchmark explanations typically require a different minimum number of ballots. We determine the asymptotic minimum size of a liberal justification.

Suggested Citation

  • 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.
  • Handle: RePEc:arx:papers:2210.16885
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