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On Second Thoughts, Selective Memory, and Resulting Behavioral Biases

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  • Steiner, Jakub
  • Jehiel, Philippe

Abstract

A proposed model of information processing generates a prediction about the constrained-optimal stochastic choice that is robust to details of the feasible information structures. A decision-maker processes payoff-relevant information until she reaches her cognitive constraint, at which point she either terminates the decision-making and chooses an action, or restarts the process. By conditioning the probability of termination on the information collected, she controls the correlation between the payoff state and her terminal action. The constrained-optimal choice rule exhibits (i) confirmation bias, (ii) speed-accuracy complementarity, (iii) overweighting of rare events, and (iv) salience effect.

Suggested Citation

  • Steiner, Jakub & Jehiel, Philippe, 2017. "On Second Thoughts, Selective Memory, and Resulting Behavioral Biases," CEPR Discussion Papers 12546, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:12546
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Goette, L. & Han, H. J. & Leung, B. T. K., 2020. "Information Overload and Confirmation Bias," Cambridge Working Papers in Economics 2019, Faculty of Economics, University of Cambridge.
    2. Leung, B. T. K., 2018. "Limited Cognitive Ability and Selective Information Processing," Cambridge Working Papers in Economics 1891, Faculty of Economics, University of Cambridge.

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