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An Experimental Test of the No Safety Schools Theorem

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Abstract

In simultaneous search problems individuals choose a portfolio of risky options from a larger menu of options with utility determined by the portfolio’s option with the best ex-post outcome. Chade and Smith (2006) examine simultaneous search problems and show that the optimal portfolio includes the utility maximizing option and others that are riskier. However, Pallais (2015) shows that when individuals apply to more colleges, their decisions are inconsistent with theoretical predictions. We replicate this ?nding experimentally and show that subjects select similar portfolios when the payo?s are independent, suggesting subjects ignore the rival nature of the options.

Suggested Citation

  • David B. Johnson & Matthew D. Webb, 2017. "An Experimental Test of the No Safety Schools Theorem," Carleton Economic Papers 17-10, Carleton University, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:car:carecp:17-10
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    1. Mullinix, Kevin J. & Leeper, Thomas J. & Druckman, James N. & Freese, Jeremy, 2015. "The Generalizability of Survey Experiments," Journal of Experimental Political Science, Cambridge University Press, vol. 2(2), pages 109-138, January.
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