Download This PaperMemory of Past Experiences and Economic Decisions
66 Pages Posted: 28 Jan 2022
Date Written: December 21, 2021
Abstract
In traditional economic models, memories of past experiences affect choices only to the extent that they represent information. We review recent advances in economic research that have introduced a role for long-lasting effects of personal past experiences and the memory thereof into economics. We first document the empirical evidence on long-lasting experience effects in finance and economics. We then discuss the main approaches the literature has taken in incorporating psychological theories of long-lasting memories into economics. Our treatment suggests a role for models of memory in accounting not only for micro-level phenomena, but for anomalies within asset pricing and macroeconomics more broadly.
JEL Classification: D91, E03, G02, G11, G12
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
University of California, Berkeley - Haas School of Business ( email )
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Institute for the Study of Labor (IZA)
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Jessica A. Wachter (Contact Author)
University of Pennsylvania - Finance Department ( email )
The Wharton School
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