Dan Levin , Ohio State University James Peck , Ohio State University Asen Ivanov , Queen Mary University of London
December 20, 2015
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Through a series of decision tasks involving coloured cards, we provide separate measures of Bayesian updating and non-probabilistic reasoning skills. We apply these measures to (and are the first to study) a common-value Dutch auction. This format is more salient than the strategically equivalent first-price auction and silent Dutch formats in hinting that one should condition one's estimate of the value on having the highest bid. Both Bayesian updating skills and non-probabilistic reasoning skills are shown to help subjects correct for the winner's curse, as does the saliency of the active-clock Dutch format.
J.E.L classification codes: D4, D7, D8
Keywords:Bayesian updating, Non-probabilistic reasoning, Dutch auction