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
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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.