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Aggregate effects of behavioral anomalies: A new research area

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  • Frey, Bruno S.
  • Gallus, Jana

Abstract

Much recent research in economics focuses on exploring behavioral anomalies, i.e., systematic deviations from the assumptions of the rationally self-interested model of man. Laboratory studies are used to identify seeming inconsistencies with micro-economic theory on the level of individuals. Since economics is a social science, this article proposes that the next crucial step consists in shifting the focus to the macro-level. It examines the process through which behavioral anomalies are aggregated to a societal outcome. Since individuals are reactive when they interact with others and face institutional constraints, the aggregation process may lead to different outcomes than what has been observed in individual-level studies: the respective anomalies may disappear, or they may become stronger on the macro-level. The discussion demonstrates that there are a great number of aspects to be analyzed. The paper presents fragments of what could become a more extensive field of research.

Suggested Citation

  • Frey, Bruno S. & Gallus, Jana, 2013. "Aggregate effects of behavioral anomalies: A new research area," Economics Discussion Papers 2013-51, Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel).
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:ifwedp:201351
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    Cited by:

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    2. Osterloh, Margit & Frey, Bruno S., 2019. "Dealing With Randomness," management revue - Socio-Economic Studies, Nomos Verlagsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG, vol. 30(4), pages 331-345.
    3. Foellmi, Reto & Jaeggi, Adrian & Rosenblatt-Wisch, Rina, 2019. "Loss aversion at the aggregate level across countries and its relation to economic fundamentals," Journal of Macroeconomics, Elsevier, vol. 61(C), pages 1-1.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    economics and psychology; behavioral economics; behavioral anomalies; reactivity;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A10 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - General
    • B00 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - General - - - History of Economic Thought, Methodology, and Heterodox Approaches
    • D70 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - General

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