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Menu-Dependent Self-Control

Author

Listed:
  • Jawwad Noor

    (Department of Economics, Boston University)

  • Norio Takeoka

    (Department of Economics, Yokohama National University,)

Abstract

The literature on self-control problems has typically put forth models that imply behavior that is consistent with the Weak Axiom of Revealed Preference. We argue that when choice is the outcome of some underlying internal conflict, the resulting choices may not be perfectly consistent across choice problems: an agent’s ability to resist temptation may well depend on what alternatives are available to him. We generalize Gul and Pesendorfer [18] so that self-control weakens in the presence of temptation. The foundations of the models require weakening the Independence axiom. The model is shown to unify a range of well-known findings in the experimental literature on choice under risk and over time.

Suggested Citation

  • Jawwad Noor & Norio Takeoka, 2011. "Menu-Dependent Self-Control," Boston University - Department of Economics - Working Papers Series WP2011-041, Boston University - Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:bos:wpaper:wp2011-041
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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