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Quantum-like Models Cannot Account for the Conjunction Fallacy

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  • Thomas Boyer-Kassem

    (Tilburg University)

  • Sébastien Duchêne

    (Université Nice Sophia Antipolis
    GREDEG-CNRS)

  • Eric Guerci

    (Université Nice Sophia Antipolis
    GREDEG-CNRS)

Abstract

Human agents happen to judge that a conjunction of two terms is more probable than one of the terms, in contradiction with the rules of classical probabilities|this is the conjunction fallacy. One of the most discussed accounts of this fallacy is currently the quantum-like explanation, which relies on models exploiting the mathematics of quantum mechanics. The aim of this paper is to investigate the empirical adequacy of major such quantum-like models. We first argue that they can be tested in three different ways, in a question order effect configuration which is different from the traditional conjunction fallacy experiment. We then carry out our proposed experiment, with varied methodologies from experimental economics. The experimental results we get are at odds with the predictions of the quantum-like models. This strongly suggests that the quantum-like account of the conjunction fallacy fails. Future possible research paths are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Thomas Boyer-Kassem & Sébastien Duchêne & Eric Guerci, 2015. "Quantum-like Models Cannot Account for the Conjunction Fallacy," GREDEG Working Papers 2015-41, Groupe de REcherche en Droit, Economie, Gestion (GREDEG CNRS), University of Nice Sophia Antipolis.
    • Handle: RePEc:gre:wpaper:2015-41
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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