First-Order and Second-Order Ambiguity Aversion
Management Science, 63(4), 1254-1269, 2017, doi: 10.1287/mnsc.2016.2443
Posted: 10 Aug 2012 Last revised: 30 Oct 2018
There are 2 versions of this paper
First-Order and Second-Order Ambiguity Aversion
Date Written: April 1, 2017
Abstract
Different models of uncertainty aversion imply strikingly different economic behavior. The key to understanding these differences lies in the dichotomy between first-order and second-order ambiguity aversion which I define here. My definition and its characterization are independent of specific representations of decisions under uncertainty. I show that with second-order ambiguity aversion a positive exposure to ambiguity is optimal if and only if there is a subjective belief such that the act’s expected outcome is positive. With first-order ambiguity aversion, zero exposure to ambiguity can be optimal. Examples in finance, insurance and contracting demonstrate the economic relevance of this dichotomy.
Keywords: Ambiguity, Uncertainty Aversion, Smooth Ambiguity Aversion, Subjective Beliefs, Kinked Preferences
JEL Classification: D01, D81, D82, G11
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
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