Testing Consumer Theory: Evidence From a Natural Field Experiment

Adena, Maja; Huck, Steffen; Rasul, Imran (2017): Testing Consumer Theory: Evidence From a Natural Field Experiment. Collaborative Research Center Transregio 190, Discussion Paper No. 54

Abstract

We present evidence from a natural field experiment designed to shed light on whether individual behavior is consistent with a neoclassical model of utility maximization subject to budget constraints. We do this through the lens of a field experiment on charitable giving. We find that the behavior of at least 80% of individuals, on both the extensive and intensive margins, can be rationalized within a standard neoclassical choice model in which individuals have preferences, defined over own consumption and their contribution towards the charitable good, satisfying the axioms of revealed preference.

• Item Type: Paper (Discussion Paper)
• Keywords: natural field experiment; revealed preference
• Faculties: Economics > Collaborative Research Center Transregio "Rationality and Competition"
• Subjects: 300 Social sciences > 330 Economics
• JEL Classification: C93, D01, D12, D64
• Language: English