Identifying Rule-Based Rationality

A-Tier
Journal: Review of Economics and Statistics
Year: 2024
Volume: 106
Issue: 5
Pages: 1369-1380

Authors (2)

Yoram Halevy (University of Toronto) Guy Mayraz (not in RePEc)

Score contribution per author:

2.011 = (α=2.01 / 2 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

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

Abstract

The revealed preference methodology allows an observer to infer preferences from choices. This paper extends this fundamental idea by experimentally identifying the preference for basing choices on simple decision rules. Subjects not only make case-by-case portfolio allocations but also design a simple investment rule for selecting portfolios. They then choose between these two decision modes for an additional set of problems. The majority opt for the rule interface and in most cases choose a simple investment rule that cannot be rationalized by any simple utility function or accounted for by reductions in decision time or by cognitive costs.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:tpr:restat:v:106:y:2024:i:5:p:1369-1380
Journal Field
General
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-25