Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/267449 
Year of Publication: 
2022
Series/Report no.: 
IZA Discussion Papers No. 15712
Publisher: 
Institute of Labor Economics (IZA), Bonn
Abstract: 
This paper analyzes the stability and distribution of ambiguity attitudes using a broad population sample. Using high-powered incentives, we collected six waves of data on ambiguity attitudes about financial markets – our main application – and climate change. Estimating a structural stochastic choice model, we obtain three individual-level parameters: Ambiguity aversion, likelihood insensitivity, and the magnitude of decision errors. These parameters are very heterogeneous in the population. At the same time, they are stable over time and largely stable across domains. We summarize heterogeneity in these three dimensions using a discrete classification approach with four types. Each group makes up 20-30% of the sample. One group comes close to the behavior of expected utility maximizers. Two types are characterized by high likelihood insensitivity; one of them is ambiguity averse and the other ambiguity seeking. Members of the final group have large error parameters; robust conclusions about their ambiguity attitudes are difficult. Observed characteristics vary between groups in plausible ways. Ambiguity types predict risky asset holdings in the expected fashion, even after controlling for many covariates.
Subjects: 
ambiguity attitudes
temporal stability
domain specificity
socio-demographic factors
cluster analysis
household portfolio choice
JEL: 
D81
G41
C38
D14
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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