Mistaken Play in the Deferred Acceptance Algorithm: Implications for Positive Assortative Matching

Alex Rees-Jones

American Economic Review, 2017, vol. 107, issue 5, 225-29

Abstract: Recent literature has documented failures of truthful preference reporting in the strategy-proof deferred acceptance algorithm. I consider the implications of these strategic mistakes for a common welfare consideration: the ability of the mechanism to sort the best students to the best schools. I find that these mistakes have the potential to significantly help or significantly hinder sorting. Through this channel, the presence of mistaken play may have widely varying welfare effects. I discuss related considerations in the welfare evaluation of mistaken play in the deferred acceptance algorithm and the implications for "nudges" that correct these mistakes.

JEL-codes: C78 D12 D47 D82 I21 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
Note: DOI: 10.1257/aer.p20171028
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (9)

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