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Rational Inattention Dynamics: Inertia and Delay in Decision-Making

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  • Steiner, Jakub
  • MatÄ›jka, Filip
  • Stewart, Colin

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 depends only on the history of actions, not on the realized state. We apply the general solution to the study of (i) the status quo bias; (ii) inertia in actions leading to lagged adjustments to shocks; and (iii) the tradeoff between accuracy and delay in decision-making.

Suggested Citation

  • Steiner, Jakub & MatÄ›jka, Filip & Stewart, Colin, 2015. "Rational Inattention Dynamics: Inertia and Delay in Decision-Making," CEPR Discussion Papers 10720, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:10720
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Rational inattention; Information acquisition; Dynamic logit; Adjustment delay;
    All these keywords.

    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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