The Non-Use of Bayes Rule: Representative Evidence on Bounded Rationality

Dohmen, Thomas J.; Falk, Armin; Huffman, David; Marklein, Felix und Sunde, Uwe (2009): The Non-Use of Bayes Rule: Representative Evidence on Bounded Rationality. ROA Research Memorandum Series,

Abstract

The ability to process new information and to compute conditional probabilities iscrucial for making appropriate decisions under uncertainty. In this paper, weinvestigate the capability of inferring conditional probabilities in a representativesample of the German population. Our results show that only a small fraction ofthe population responds consistently with Bayes” rule. Instead, most individualseither neglect the base probability, or the arrival of new information, in theirresponses. The probability to give normatively correct answers decreases with thelevel of education. ; labour market entry and occupational careers;

• Dokumententyp: Paper
• Fakultät: Volkswirtschaft ; Volkswirtschaft > Lehrstühle > Seminar für Bevölkerungsökonomik
• Themengebiete: 300 Sozialwissenschaften > 330 Wirtschaft
• Sprache: Englisch