Complexity and Sophistication

Leandro Carvalho and Dan Silverman

No 26036, NBER Working Papers from National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc

Abstract: Many financial situations present individuals with simple alternatives to solving complex problems. The value of these alternatives depends on whether individuals are sophisticated and know when they are better off opting out of complexity. We tested complexity’s effects and evaluated sophistication in a large and diverse sample. We randomly assigned both complexity to portfolio problems and the offer of a simple alternative to portfolio choice. The less-skilled earn lower returns under complexity because they often opt out when the simple alternative is dominated. To interpret the findings, we develop a novel method for estimating the structural parameters of a rational inattention model. The structural estimates are consistent with substantial sophistication. Large fractions of the money that the low-skilled lose by opting out can be justified by their higher costs of attention.

JEL-codes: D14 D81 G02 G11 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019-07
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-ore
Note: AG PE
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (16)

Published as Leandro Carvalho & Dan Silverman, 2024. "Complexity and Sophistication," Journal of Political Economy Microeconomics, vol 2(1), pages 43-76.

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