Dynamic Inconsistency in Food Choice: Experimental Evidence from Two Food Deserts

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Sadoff, Sally; Samek, Anya; Sprenger, Charles
• 署名单位: University of California System; University of California San Diego; University of Southern California
• 刊物名称: REVIEW OF ECONOMIC STUDIES
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0034-6527
• DOI: 10.1093/restud/rdz030
• 发表日期: 2020
• 页码: 1954-1988
• 关键词: theoretic foundations; time-preferences; welfare; SALIENCE; POLICY

摘要

We conduct field experiments to investigate dynamic inconsistency and commitment demand in food choice. In two home grocery delivery programs, we document substantial dynamic inconsistency between advance and immediate choices. When given the option to commit to their advance choices, around half of subjects take it up. Commitment demand is negatively correlated with dynamic inconsistency, suggesting those with larger self-control problems are less likely to be aware thereof. We evaluate the welfare consequences of dynamic inconsistency and commitment policies with utility measures based on advance, immediate, and unambiguous choices. Simply offering commitment has limited welfare (and behavioural) consequences under all measures.