Games 2010, 1(1), 34-52; doi:10.3390/g1010034
Article

The Influence of Priming on Reference States

Astrid Mattheyemail
Max-Planck-Institute of Economics, Kahlaische Str. 10, D-07745 Jena, Germany
Received: 27 January 2010; in revised form: 8 March 2010 / Accepted: 12 March 2010 / Published: 16 March 2010
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Abstract: Experimental and empirical evidence shows that the utility an individual derives from a certain state depends on the reference state she compares it to. According to economic theory, the reference state is determined by past, present and future outcomes of either the individual herself or her reference group. The experiment described in this paper suggests that, in addition, reference states depend to a significant degree on environmental factors not relevant for outcomes. It indicates that reference states - and hence utility - can relatively easily be influenced without changing people’s outcomes, e.g., through priming.
Keywords: reference state; utility; prospect theory; manipulation; priming; experiment

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MDPI and ACS Style

Matthey, A. The Influence of Priming on Reference States. Games 2010, 1, 34-52.

AMA Style

Matthey A. The Influence of Priming on Reference States. Games. 2010; 1(1):34-52.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Matthey, Astrid. 2010. "The Influence of Priming on Reference States." Games 1, no. 1: 34-52.

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