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The Role Of The Utility Function In The Estimation Of Preference Parameters

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  • Daria Pignalosa

Abstract

Within the modern mainstream theory of consumption, the main characteristics of individual preferences are represented by a definite set of parameters: risk aversion, prudence, and the elasticity of intertemporal substitution. To give quantitative definition to each of these parameters is crucial, but the results of the empirical literature are controversial. Among the reasons for this failure, a possible, neglected role may have been played by the need to specify a utility function to perform the estimation. This paper presents a number of simulation exercises, which show that the same saving behaviour can be associated with quite different values of the preference parameters depending on the utility function adopted. The analysis suggests that the research devoted to estimating preference parameters has been affected by the constraints imposed, on the one hand, by the quantitative definition of the parameters, and, on the other, by the utility functions adopted.

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  • Daria Pignalosa, 2018. "The Role Of The Utility Function In The Estimation Of Preference Parameters," Departmental Working Papers of Economics - University 'Roma Tre' 0235, Department of Economics - University Roma Tre.
    • Handle: RePEc:rtr:wpaper:0235
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    2. Yi, Zhen & Zhu, Chao & Zhang, Yuwei, 2024. "Why risk attitude differs between macro and micro level? A decoherence perspective," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 92(C), pages 978-997.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Consumption; Elasticity of Intertemporal Substitution; Risk Aversion; Precautionary Saving; Utility function;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D12 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Empirical Analysis
    • D15 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Intertemporal Household Choice; Life Cycle Models and Saving
    • D81 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty

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