Thinking Ahead: The Decision Problem

S-Tier
Journal: Review of Economic Studies
Year: 2009
Volume: 76
Issue: 4
Pages: 1205-1238

Authors (2)

Patrick Bolton (Columbia University) Antoine Faure-Grimaud (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

We propose a model of costly decision making based on time-costs of deliberating current and future decisions. We model an individual decision-maker's thinking process as a thought-experiment that takes time, and lets the decision maker 'think ahead' about future decision problems in yet unrealized states of nature. By formulating an intertemporal, state-contingent, planning problem which may involve costly deliberation in every state of nature, and by letting the decision maker deliberate ahead of the realization of a state, we attempt to capture the basic observation that individuals generally do not think through a complete action plan. Instead, individuals prioritize their thinking and leave deliberations on less important decisions to the time or event when they arise. Copyright 2009, Wiley-Blackwell.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:oup:restud:v:76:y:2009:i:4:p:1205-1238
Journal Field
General
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-24