Consistency and Heterogeneity of Individual Behavior under Uncertainty

S-Tier
Journal: American Economic Review
Year: 2007
Volume: 97
Issue: 5
Pages: 1921-1938

Authors (4)

Syngjoo Choi (not in RePEc) Raymond Fisman (Boston University) Douglas Gale (New York University (NYU)) Shachar Kariv (not in RePEc)

Score contribution per author:

2.011 = (α=2.01 / 4 authors) × 4.0x S-tier

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

Abstract

By using graphical representations of simple portfolio choice problems, we generate a very rich dataset to study behavior under uncertainty at the level of the individual subject. We test the data for consistency with the maximization hypothesis, and we estimate preferences using a two-parameter utility function based on Faruk Gul (1991). This specification provides a good interpretation of the data at the individual level and can account for the highly heterogeneous behaviors observed in the laboratory. The parameter estimates jointly describe attitudes toward risk and allow us to characterize the distribution of risk preferences in the population. (JEL D11, D14, D81, G11)

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:aea:aecrev:v:97:y:2007:i:5:p:1921-1938
Journal Field
General
Author Count
4
Added to Database
2026-01-25