Scenario-Based Satisficing in Saving: A Theoretical and Experimental Analysis

36 Pages Posted: 19 Oct 2007 Last revised: 4 Dec 2007

See all articles by Werner Güth

Werner Güth

Max Planck Institute for Research on Collective Goods; Luiss Guido Carli University

M. Vittoria Levati

Max Planck Society for the Advancement of the Sciences - Strategic Interaction Group

Matteo Ploner

University of Trento - Department of Economics and Management; University of Trento

Date Written: August 27, 2007

Abstract

Contrary to the models of deterministic life cycle saving, we take it for granted that uncertainty of one's future is the essential problem of saving decisions. However, unlike the stochastic life cycle models, we capture this crucial uncertainty by a non-Bayesian scenario-based satisficing approach. Decision makers first form aspirations for a few relevant scenarios, and then search for saving plans satisficing these aspirations. In addition to formally specifying scenario-based satisficing in saving, we explore it experimentally. The results confirm that optimal intertemporal allocations are difficult to derive, and suggest that satisficing allocations can be reached easily when aspirations are incentivized.

Keywords: Intertemporal allocation decisions, Bayesian updating, Satisficing behavior

JEL Classification: C91, D81, D90

Suggested Citation

Güth, Werner and Levati, M. Vittoria and Ploner, Matteo and Ploner, Matteo, Scenario-Based Satisficing in Saving: A Theoretical and Experimental Analysis (August 27, 2007). Jena Economic Research Paper No. 2007-049, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1022864 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1022864

Werner Güth

Max Planck Institute for Research on Collective Goods

Kurt-Schumacher-Str. 10
D-53113 Bonn, 53113
Germany

Luiss Guido Carli University ( email )

Via O. Tommasini 1
Rome, Roma 00100
Italy

M. Vittoria Levati (Contact Author)

Max Planck Society for the Advancement of the Sciences - Strategic Interaction Group ( email )

D-07745 Jena
Germany

Matteo Ploner

University of Trento ( email )

Via Giuseppe Verdi 26
Trento, Trento 38152
Italy

University of Trento - Department of Economics and Management ( email )

Via Inama 5
Trento, I-38100
Italy

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