Time inconsistency, sophistication, and commitment: An experimental study

C-Tier
Journal: Economics Letters
Year: 2021
Volume: 206
Issue: C

Authors (2)

Zhang, Qing (not in RePEc) Greiner, Ben (Universität Wien)

Score contribution per author:

0.503 = (α=2.01 / 2 authors) × 0.5x C-tier

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

Abstract

We experimentally study the relationship between time inconsistency, sophistication about time inconsistency, and self-commitment. Previous research has interpreted demand for commitment devices as evidence for the sophistication of a time-inconsistent decision-maker. In our laboratory experiment, we attempt to measure sophistication directly by way of a cognitive test. We then test the hypothesis that people who are both time-inconsistent and show high cognitive capacity take up commitment devices when offered in the strategic game between their current and their future self. For experimental laboratory commitment choices, we cannot detect a moderating effect of cognition on commitment demand of time-inconsistent subjects.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:eee:ecolet:v:206:y:2021:i:c:s0165176521002597
Journal Field
General
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-25