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Rational Inattention Dynamics: Inertia and Delay in Decision-Making

Author

Listed:
  • Filip Matejka

    (CERGE-EI)

  • Colin Stewart

    (University of Toronto)

  • Jakub Steiner

    (Cerge-ei)

Abstract

We solve a general class of dynamic rational-inattention problems in which an agent repeatedly acquires costly information about an evolving state and selects actions. The solution resembles the choice rule in a dynamic logit model, but it is biased towards an optimal default rule that does not depend on the realized state. We apply the general solution to the study of (i) the sunk-cost fallacy; (ii) inertia in actions leading to lagged adjustments to shocks; and (iii) the tradeoff between accuracy and delay in decision-making.

Suggested Citation

  • Filip Matejka & Colin Stewart & Jakub Steiner, 2015. "Rational Inattention Dynamics: Inertia and Delay in Decision-Making," 2015 Meeting Papers 307, Society for Economic Dynamics.
    • Handle: RePEc:red:sed015:307
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    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
    • D90 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - General

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