Download This PaperRevealed Preference, Rational Inattention, and Costly Information Acquisition
62 Pages Posted: 1 Feb 2014 Last revised: 24 Apr 2022
Date Written: January 2014
Abstract
We develop a revealed preference test for optimal acquisition of costly information. The test encompasses models of rational inattention, sequential signal processing, and search. We provide limits on the extent to which attention costs can be recovered from choice data. We experimentally elicit state dependent stochastic choice data of the form the tests require. In simple cases, tests confirm that subjects adjust their attention in response to incentives as the theory dictates.
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
Caplin, Andrew and Dean, Mark R. W. and Dean, Mark R. W., Revealed Preference, Rational Inattention, and Costly Information Acquisition (January 2014). NBER Working Paper No. w19876, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2389204
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