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Revealed Preference in a Discrete Consumption Space

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  • Matthew Polisson

  • John Quah

Abstract

We show that an agent maximizing some utility function on a discrete (as opposed to continuous) consumption space will obey the generalized axiom of revealed preference (GARP) so long as the agent obeys cost efficiency. Cost efficiency will hold if there is some good, outside the set of goods being studied by the modeler, that can be consumed by the agent in continuous quantities. An application of Afriat's Theorem then guarantees that there is a strictly increasing utility function on the discrete consumption space that rationalizes price and demand observations in that space.

Suggested Citation

  • Matthew Polisson & John Quah, 2012. "Revealed Preference in a Discrete Consumption Space," Discussion Papers in Economics 12/02, Division of Economics, School of Business, University of Leicester, revised Feb 2012.
    • Handle: RePEc:lec:leecon:12/02
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    File URL: https://www.le.ac.uk/economics/research/RePEc/lec/leecon/dp12-02.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. A. Fostel & H. Scarf & M. Todd, 2004. "Two new proofs of Afriat’s theorem," Economic Theory, Springer;Society for the Advancement of Economic Theory (SAET), vol. 24(1), pages 211-219, July.
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    3. William T. Harbaugh & Kate Krause & Timothy R. Berry, 2001. "GARP for Kids: On the Development of Rational Choice Behavior," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 91(5), pages 1539-1545, December.
    4. Donald J. Brown & Caterina Calsamiglia, 2008. "The Nonparametric Approach to Applied Welfare Analysis," Lecture Notes in Economics and Mathematical Systems, in: Computational Aspects of General Equilibrium Theory, pages 41-46, Springer.
    5. W. E. Diewert, 1973. "Afriat and Revealed Preference Theory," The Review of Economic Studies, Review of Economic Studies Ltd, vol. 40(3), pages 419-425.
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    JEL classification:

    • D11 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Theory

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