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Stationary Multi Choice Bandit Problems

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Abstract

This note shows that the optimal choice of k simultaneous experiments in a stationary multi-armed bandit problem can be characterized in terms of the Gittins index of each arm. The index characterization remains equally valid after the introduction of switching costs.

Suggested Citation

  • Dirk Bergemann & Juuso Vaimaki, 1999. "Stationary Multi Choice Bandit Problems," Cowles Foundation Discussion Papers 1240, Cowles Foundation for Research in Economics, Yale University.
    • Handle: RePEc:cwl:cwldpp:1240
    Note: CFP 1022.
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    File URL: https://cowles.yale.edu/sites/default/files/files/pub/d12/d1240.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Banks, Jeffrey S & Sundaram, Rangarajan K, 1994. "Switching Costs and the Gittins Index," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 62(3), pages 687-694, May.
    2. Weitzman, Martin L, 1979. "Optimal Search for the Best Alternative," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 47(3), pages 641-654, May.
    3. Banks, Jeffrey S & Sundaram, Rangarajan K, 1992. "Denumerable-Armed Bandits," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 60(5), pages 1071-1096, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Brenner, Thomas & Vriend, Nicolaas J., 2006. "On the behavior of proposers in ultimatum games," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 61(4), pages 617-631, December.
    2. Benkert, Jean-Michel & Letina, Igor & Nöldeke, Georg, 2018. "Optimal search from multiple distributions with infinite horizon," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 164(C), pages 15-18.
    3. Forand, Jean Guillaume, 2015. "Keeping your options open," Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, Elsevier, vol. 53(C), pages 47-68.
    4. José Niño-Mora, 2020. "Fast Two-Stage Computation of an Index Policy for Multi-Armed Bandits with Setup Delays," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 9(1), pages 1-36, December.
    5. Hart E. Posen & Dirk Martignoni & Daniel A. Levinthal, 2013. "E Pluribus Unum: Organizational Size and the Efficacy of Learning," DRUID Working Papers 13-09, DRUID, Copenhagen Business School, Department of Industrial Economics and Strategy/Aalborg University, Department of Business Studies.
    6. Alessandro Arlotto & Stephen E. Chick & Noah Gans, 2014. "Optimal Hiring and Retention Policies for Heterogeneous Workers Who Learn," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 60(1), pages 110-129, January.
    7. Brenner, Thomas & Vriend, Nicolaas J., 2006. "On the behavior of proposers in ultimatum games," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 61(4), pages 617-631, December.
    8. Keller, Godfrey & Oldale, Alison, 2003. "Branching bandits: a sequential search process with correlated pay-offs," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 113(2), pages 302-315, December.
    9. Alejandro Francetich, 2014. "Managing Multiple Research Projects," Working Papers 516, IGIER (Innocenzo Gasparini Institute for Economic Research), Bocconi University.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    multi-armed bandits; Gittins index; Stationary bandits; Job search;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D81 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness

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