Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-2013
Abstract
In this paper, we document a "play-out" effect in preference reversal experiments. We compare data where preferences are elicited using (1) purely hypothetical gambles, (2) played-out, but unpaid gambles and (3) played-out gambles with truth-revealing monetary payments. We ask whether a model of stable preferences with random errors (e.g., expected utility with errors) can explain the data. The model is strongly rejected in data collected using purely hypothetical gambles. However, simply playing-out the gambles, even in the absence of payments, shifts the data pattern so that noisy maximization is no longer rejected. Inducing risk preferences using a lottery procedure, using monetary incentives or both shift the data pattern further so that noisy maximization achieves the best possible fit to the aggregate data. No model could fit the data better. We argue that play-out shifts the response pattern by inducing value because subjects can use outcomes to "keep score." Induction or monetary payments create stronger induced values, shifting the pattern further.
Recommended Citation
Berg, Joyce E., John W. Dickhaut, and Thomas A. Rietz. "The “play-out” effect and preference reversals: Evidence for noisy maximization." Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization 94 (2013): 160-171.
DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2012.09.012
Peer Reviewed
1
Copyright
Elsevier
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Comments
NOTICE: this is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization . Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published in Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, volume 94, in 2013. DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2012.09.012
The Creative Commons license below applies only to this version of the article.