Mistaken Play in the Deferred Acceptance Algorithm: Implications for Positive Assortative Matching

S-Tier
Journal: American Economic Review
Year: 2017
Volume: 107
Issue: 5
Pages: 225-29

Score contribution per author:

8.043 = (α=2.01 / 1 authors) × 4.0x S-tier

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

Abstract

Recent literature has documented failures of truthful preference reporting in the strategy-proof deferred acceptance algorithm. I consider the implications of these strategic mistakes for a common welfare consideration: the ability of the mechanism to sort the best students to the best schools. I find that these mistakes have the potential to significantly help or significantly hinder sorting. Through this channel, the presence of mistaken play may have widely varying welfare effects. I discuss related considerations in the welfare evaluation of mistaken play in the deferred acceptance algorithm and the implications for "nudges" that correct these mistakes.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:aea:aecrev:v:107:y:2017:i:5:p:225-29
Journal Field
General
Author Count
1
Added to Database
2026-01-29