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The Evolutionary Foundation of Probability Weighting and Hyperbolic Discounting

Bogaardt, Laurens LU (2012) NEKN01 20121
Department of Economics
Abstract
In this paper, we delve into the evolutionary foundation of both probability weighting and hyperbolic discounting. It is argued that it is evolution which selects between various kinds of people those who have the optimal preference profile. As such, utility functions and behavioural biases can be explained from an evolutionary perspective. It is also argued that there may be an intimate connection between hyperbolic discounting and probability weighting. This follows from the similarities between these two deviations from what normative economic theory would consider 'rational'. Following the suggestion of this intimate connection, we analyse a model which is capable of explaining why probability weighting may have been advantageous for... (More)
In this paper, we delve into the evolutionary foundation of both probability weighting and hyperbolic discounting. It is argued that it is evolution which selects between various kinds of people those who have the optimal preference profile. As such, utility functions and behavioural biases can be explained from an evolutionary perspective. It is also argued that there may be an intimate connection between hyperbolic discounting and probability weighting. This follows from the similarities between these two deviations from what normative economic theory would consider 'rational'. Following the suggestion of this intimate connection, we analyse a model which is capable of explaining why probability weighting may have been advantageous for our ancestors and we look whether we can reinterpret this model to also include hyperbolic discounting. This turns out to be difficult, however, as an analysis of the properties of the model makes clear. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Bogaardt, Laurens LU
supervisor
organization
course
NEKN01 20121
year
type
H1 - Master's Degree (One Year)
subject
keywords
Probability weighting, hyperbolic discounting, intimate connection, evolutionary psychology, evolutionary game theory
language
English
id
2701664
date added to LUP
2012-06-14 11:10:16
date last changed
2012-06-14 11:10:16
@misc{2701664,
  abstract     = {{In this paper, we delve into the evolutionary foundation of both probability weighting and hyperbolic discounting. It is argued that it is evolution which selects between various kinds of people those who have the optimal preference profile. As such, utility functions and behavioural biases can be explained from an evolutionary perspective. It is also argued that there may be an intimate connection between hyperbolic discounting and probability weighting. This follows from the similarities between these two deviations from what normative economic theory would consider 'rational'. Following the suggestion of this intimate connection, we analyse a model which is capable of explaining why probability weighting may have been advantageous for our ancestors and we look whether we can reinterpret this model to also include hyperbolic discounting. This turns out to be difficult, however, as an analysis of the properties of the model makes clear.}},
  author       = {{Bogaardt, Laurens}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{The Evolutionary Foundation of Probability Weighting and Hyperbolic Discounting}},
  year         = {{2012}},
}