Choice and Procrastination

S-Tier
Journal: Quarterly Journal of Economics
Year: 2001
Volume: 116
Issue: 1
Pages: 121-160

Authors (2)

Ted O'Donoghue (Cornell University) Matthew Rabin (not in RePEc)

Score contribution per author:

4.022 = (α=2.01 / 2 authors) × 4.0x S-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

Recent models of procrastination due to self-control problems assume that a procrastinator considers just one option and is unaware of her self-control problems. We develop a model where a person chooses from a menu of options and is partially aware of her self-control problems. This menu model replicates earlier results and generates new ones. A person might forgo completing an attractive option because she plans to complete a more attractive but never-to-be-completed option. Hence, providing a nonprocrastinator additional options can induce procrastination, and a person may procrastinate worse pursuing important goals than unimportant ones.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:oup:qjecon:v:116:y:2001:i:1:p:121-160.
Journal Field
General
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-26