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Eliminate the normative worst, then choose

Abhinash Borah, Raghvi Garg,
Published in Economics Bulletin
2021
Volume: 41
   
Issue: 4
Pages: 2348 - 2355
Abstract

We model the behavior of a decision maker (DM) who is psychologically constrained from choosing according to her tastes by her normative preferences that capture her values and ideals. In any menu, choosing the worst alternative according to her normative preferences may produce overwhelming feelings of guilt. Hence, to mitigate such feelings, she eliminates this alternative and chooses the best amongst the remaining ones according to her tastes. We formally define this sequential choice procedure and behaviorally characterize it. We show that the parameters of the model— the DM's tastes and norms—can be (almost) uniquely identified from choices. We also highlight the model's implications for "non-standard" choices © 2021, Economics Bulletin.All Rights Reserved.

About the journal
JournalEconomics Bulletin
PublisherEconomics Bulletin
Open AccessNo