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Improving Rationality by Increasing Attention

Author

Listed:
  • Hui-Kuan Chung
  • Nick Doren
  • Lasse Mononen
  • Mia Lu
  • Marcus Grueschow
  • Helen Hayward Könnecke
  • Alexander Jetter
  • Boris B. Quednow
  • Nick Netzer
  • Philippe N. Tobler

Abstract

Models of limited attention have the potential to become a new unifying paradigm that could replace the rational choice approach. In this paper, we test the limited attention hypothesis by enhancing attention using pharmacological substances. A total of 160 subjects participated in our randomized, placebo-controlled, and double-blind experimental study. We find that enhancing attention through boosting the noradrenergic system with reboxetine improves the quality of choice as captured by multiple different measures of rationality. Eye-tracking suggests that boosting noradrenaline promotes more rational choice by efficiently directing attention to more valuable options. Other attention-enhancing drugs (methylphenidate, which boosts the dopaminergic system, and nicotine, which boosts the cholinergic system) improve rationality to a lesser extent. Aside from testing the limited attention hypothesis directly, our results have implications for welfare economics, policy-design, and public health.

Suggested Citation

  • Hui-Kuan Chung & Nick Doren & Lasse Mononen & Mia Lu & Marcus Grueschow & Helen Hayward Könnecke & Alexander Jetter & Boris B. Quednow & Nick Netzer & Philippe N. Tobler, 2025. "Improving Rationality by Increasing Attention," CESifo Working Paper Series 12078, CESifo.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:ceswps:_12078
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    JEL classification:

    • B41 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - Economic Methodology - - - Economic Methodology
    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • D01 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Microeconomic Behavior: Underlying Principles
    • D60 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - General
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making

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