The uncertainty triangle – Uncovering heterogeneity in attitudes towards uncertainty

B-Tier
Journal: Journal of Risk and Uncertainty
Year: 2020
Volume: 60
Issue: 2
Pages: 125-156

Score contribution per author:

0.670 = (α=2.01 / 3 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

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

Abstract

Abstract This paper develops a graphical tool – the uncertainty triangle – that allows for testing whether choices under uncertainty obey the generalized axiom of revealed preference (GARP). We find that more than 95% of subjects made choices that can be rationalized by the maximization of a well-behaved utility function. The uncertainty triangle also makes it straightforward to characterize heterogeneity in attitudes towards uncertainty. To accomplish this we propose a one-parameter extension of Expected Utility in which uncertainty attitude is everywhere constant in the triangle. Experimental data indicate that about 60% of participants made choices consistent with the model and, within this group, 48% were uncertainty averse, 22% uncertainty seeking, and 30% uncertainty neutral. The remaining 40% of participants appear to hold variable uncertainty attitudes. A model that can accommodate this variability is proposed and calibrated.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:kap:jrisku:v:60:y:2020:i:2:d:10.1007_s11166-020-09331-8
Journal Field
Theory
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-25