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Do markets reveal preferences - or shape them?

Author

Listed:
  • Andrea Isoni

    (University of Warwick)

  • Peter Brooks

    (Barclays Wealth)

  • Graham Loomes

    (University of Warwick)

  • Robert Sugden

    (University of East Anglia)

Abstract

Standard economic analysis assumes that preferences are independent of markets. However, there is evidence suggesting that price information can influence preferences. We investigate the hypothesis that markets do not simply allow agents to reveal their preferences, but actually help to shape them. Using a demand- revealing market institution, we find strong support for this shaping hypothesis. Monetary valuations are significantly affected by price feedback and divergent price expectations. These effects are not entirely eliminated by further market experience. Our results suggest that preferences may be characterised by considerable imprecision and may be influenced by market prices in predictable ways.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrea Isoni & Peter Brooks & Graham Loomes & Robert Sugden, 2011. "Do markets reveal preferences - or shape them?," Working Paper series, University of East Anglia, Centre for Behavioural and Experimental Social Science (CBESS) 11-03, School of Economics, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK..
    • Handle: RePEc:uea:wcbess:11-03
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    4. Marco Stimolo & Sergio Beraldo & Salvatore Capasso & Valerio Filoso, 2022. "Consciously Uncertain: A Bayesian Analysis of Preferences Formation," Games, MDPI, vol. 13(1), pages 1-20, January.
    5. Sergio Beraldo & Valerio Filoso & Marco Stimolo, 2014. "The Shaping Power of Market Prices and Individual Choices on Preferences. An Experimental Investigation," Discussion Papers 2014/191, Dipartimento di Economia e Management (DEM), University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
    6. Alexandros Karakostas & Giles Morgan & Daniel John Zizzo, 2023. "Socially interdependent risk taking," Theory and Decision, Springer, vol. 95(3), pages 365-378, October.
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    9. Marco Fabbri & Michael Faure, 2018. "Toward a “constitution” for behavioral policy-making," International Review of Economics, Springer;Happiness Economics and Interpersonal Relations (HEIRS), vol. 65(3), pages 241-270, September.
    10. John Smith, 2012. "The endogenous nature of the measurement of social preferences," Mind & Society: Cognitive Studies in Economics and Social Sciences, Springer;Fondazione Rosselli, vol. 11(2), pages 235-256, December.
    11. Benedetto Gui, 2021. "In search of a market morality for making real the “Community of Advantage”: a note on Sugden’s “Principle of Mutual Benefit”," International Review of Economics, Springer;Happiness Economics and Interpersonal Relations (HEIRS), vol. 68(1), pages 131-140, March.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Shaping effects; repeated markets; price sensitivity; preference imprecision;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C81 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - Methodology for Collecting, Estimating, and Organizing Microeconomic Data; Data Access
    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • D44 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design - - - Auctions

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