The Effects of Induced Mood on Preference Reversals and Bidding Behavior in Experimental Auctions

Drichoutis, Andreas and Nayga, Rodolfo and Klonaris, Stathis (2010): The Effects of Induced Mood on Preference Reversals and Bidding Behavior in Experimental Auctions.

Abstract

This article contributes to the research agenda of accommodating psychological insights in conventional lab experiments. We specifically test whether inducing subjects into different mood states has a significant effect on subjects’ rationality (in the form of preference reversals) and on bidding behavior in homegrown value auctions. We find that mood states can significantly affect the rate of preference reversal and bidding behavior in experimental auction valuation. Specifically we find that subjects exhibit more rational behavior under a positive mood state than under a negative mood state. Subjects in a positive mood provide lower bid values than others. Regardless of mood states, males tend to have a higher rate of preference reversal than females in mixed gender sessions. However, females tend to commit a higher rate of preference reversal in female only sessions than in mixed sessions while males tend to commit a lower rate of preference reversal when in male only sessions than in mixed sessions.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: mood; affect; rationality; Vickrey auction; preference reversals; gender differences
• Subjects: C - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods > C9 - Design of Experiments > C91 - Laboratory, Individual Behavior

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