A Dual-Self Model of Impulse Control

S-Tier
Journal: American Economic Review
Year: 2006
Volume: 96
Issue: 5
Pages: 1449-1476

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 that a simple ?dual-self? model gives a unified explanation for several empirical regularities, including the apparent time inconsistency that has motivated models of quasi-hyperbolic discounting and Rabin?s paradox of risk aversion in the large and small. The model also implies that self-control costs imply excess delay, as in the O?Donoghue and Rabin models of quasi-hyperbolic utility, and it explains experimental evidence that increased cognitive load makes temptations harder to resist. The base version of our model is consistent with the Gul-Pesendorfer axioms, but we argue that these axioms must be relaxed to account for the effect of cognitive load. (JEL D11, D81)

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:aea:aecrev:v:96:y:2006:i:5:p:1449-1476
Journal Field
General
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-25