Sanjurjo, A.
Games and Economic Behavior – 104 (2017). 535-562
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Palabras clave:: Search theory, Optimal sequential search, Multiple attributes.Procedural cognition, Bounded rationality, Working memory capacity


Resumen: Multiple attribute search is a central feature of economic life: we consider much more than price when purchasing a home, and more than wage when choosing a job. Nevertheless, while single attribute search problems have been studied extensively, little is known about optimal search in multiple attribute environments. I introduce a partial characterization of optimal sequential search in a problem with multiple searchable attributes and alternatives, no order restrictions on search, and full recall. Upon applying the partial rational benchmark to a rich dataset I find that subjects systematically deviate from optimal sequential search by: (1) searching too deeply within alternatives and (2) switching too adjacently between alternatives. I explore how these deviations affect payoffs, and discuss why they may be boundedly rational.