A Testable Theory of Imperfect Perception

38 Pages Posted: 25 Jun 2011 Last revised: 26 May 2023

See all articles by Andrew Caplin

Andrew Caplin

New York University (NYU) - Department of Economics; National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

Daniel Martin

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Date Written: June 2011

Abstract

We introduce a rational choice theory that allows for many forms of imperfect perception, including failures of memory, selective attention, and adherence to simplifying rules of thumb. Despite its generality, the theory has strong, simple, and intuitive implications for standard choice data and for more enriched choice data. The central assumption is rational expectations: decision makers understand the relationship between their perceptions, however limited they may be, and the (stochastic) consequences of their available choices. Our theory separately identifies two distinct "framing" effects: standard effects involving the layout of the prizes (e.g. order in a list) and novel effects relating to the information content of the environment (e.g. how likely is the first in the list to be the best). Simple experimental tests both affirm the basic model and confirm the existence of information-based framing effects.

Suggested Citation

Caplin, Andrew and Martin, Daniel, A Testable Theory of Imperfect Perception (June 2011). NBER Working Paper No. w17163, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1872282

Andrew Caplin (Contact Author)

New York University (NYU) - Department of Economics ( email )

269 Mercer Street, 7th Floor
New York, NY 10011
United States

National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

1050 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138
United States

Daniel Martin

affiliation not provided to SSRN

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