A Test of the Theory of Reference-Dependent Preferences

S-Tier
Journal: Quarterly Journal of Economics
Year: 1997
Volume: 112
Issue: 2
Pages: 479-505

Score contribution per author:

1.609 = (α=2.01 / 5 authors) × 4.0x S-tier

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

Abstract

Eight alternative methods of eliciting preferences between money and a consumption good are identified: two of these are standard willingness-to-accept and willingness-to-pay measures. These methods differ with respect to the reference point used and the dimension in which responses are expressed. The loss aversion hypothesis of Tversky and Kahneman's theory of reference-dependent preferences predicts systematic differences between the preferences elicited by these methods. These predictions are tested by eliciting individuals' preferences for two private consumption goods; the experimental design is incentive-compatible and controls for income and substitution effects. The theory's predictions are broadly confirmed.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:oup:qjecon:v:112:y:1997:i:2:p:479-505.
Journal Field
General
Author Count
5
Added to Database
2026-01-24