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Revealed cardinal preference

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Abstract

I prove that as long as we allow the marginal utility for money (lambda) to vary between purchases (similarly to the budget) then the quasi-linear and the ordinal budget-constrained models rationalize the same data. However, we know that lambda is approximately constant. I provide a simple constructive proof for the necessary and sufficient condition for the constant lambda rationalization, which I argue should replace the Generalized Axiom of Revealed Preference in empirical studies of consumer behavior.

Suggested Citation

  • Jozsef Sakovics, 2012. "Revealed cardinal preference," Edinburgh School of Economics Discussion Paper Series 212, Edinburgh School of Economics, University of Edinburgh.
    • Handle: RePEc:edn:esedps:212
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Varian, Hal R, 1982. "The Nonparametric Approach to Demand Analysis," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 50(4), pages 945-973, July.
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    8. Laurens Cherchye & Bram De Rock & Frederic Vermeulen, 2009. "Opening the Black Box of Intrahousehold Decision Making: Theory and Nonparametric Empirical Tests of General Collective Consumption Models," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 117(6), pages 1074-1104, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Forges, Françoise & Iehlé, Vincent, 2014. "Afriat’s theorem for indivisible goods," Journal of Mathematical Economics, Elsevier, vol. 54(C), pages 1-6.
    2. Agatsuma, Yasushi, 2016. "Testable implications of the core in TU market games," Journal of Mathematical Economics, Elsevier, vol. 64(C), pages 23-29.
    3. Sákovics, József, 2015. "Tractable valuations under uncertainty," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 126(C), pages 68-70.
    4. Daniel Friedman & József Sákovics, 2015. "Tractable consumer choice," Theory and Decision, Springer, vol. 79(2), pages 333-358, September.
    5. Nocke, Volker & Schutz, Nicolas, 2017. "Quasi-linear integrability," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 169(C), pages 603-628.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D11 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Theory
    • D12 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Empirical Analysis

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