Arbeitspapier

Preference for randomization: Ambiguity aversion and inequality aversion

In Anscombe and Aumann's (1963) domain, there are two types of mixtures. One is an ex-ante mixture, or a lottery on acts. The other is an ex-post mixture, or a state-wise mixture of acts. These two mixtures have been assumed to be indifferent under the Reversal of Order axiom. However, we argue that the difference between these two mixtures is crucial in some important contexts. Under ambiguity aversion, an ex-ante mixture could provide only ex-ante hedging but not ex-post hedging. Under inequality aversion, an ex-ante mixture could provide only ex-ante equality but not ex-post equality. We provide a unified framework that treats a preference for exante mixtures separately from a preference for ex-post mixtures. In particular, two representations are characterized for each context. One representation for ambiguity aversion is an extension of Gilboa and Schmeidler's (1989) Maxmin preferences. The other representation for inequality aversion is an extension of Fehr and Schmidt's (1999) Piecewise preferences. In both representations, a single parameter characterizes a preference for ex-ante mixtures. For both representations, instead of the Reversal of Order axiom, we propose a weaker axiom, the Indifference axiom, which is a criterion, suggested in Raiffa's (1961) critique, for evaluating lotteries on acts. These models are consistent with much recent experimental evidence in each context.

Language
Englisch

Bibliographic citation
Series: Discussion Paper ; No. 1489

Classification
Wirtschaft
Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty
Subject
Ambiguity
randomization
Ellsberg paradox
other-regarding preferences
inequality
maxmin utility

Event
Geistige Schöpfung
(who)
Saito, Kota
Event
Veröffentlichung
(who)
Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management, Center for Mathematical Studies in Economics and Management Science
(where)
Evanston, IL
(when)
2010

Handle
Last update
10.03.2025, 11:43 AM CET

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Object type

  • Arbeitspapier

Associated

  • Saito, Kota
  • Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management, Center for Mathematical Studies in Economics and Management Science

Time of origin

  • 2010

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