American Economic Review: Insights
ISSN 2640-205X (Print) | ISSN 2640-2068 (Online)
Rational Inattention during a Randomized Controlled Trial
American Economic Review: Insights
(pp. 19–35)
Abstract
We introduce an information provision experiment into a standard dynamic rational inattention model. We derive analytical results about how the treatment effect varies with characteristics of the environment and the individual. We use these results to discuss findings in the empirical literature on information provision experiments that can be explained by rational inattention of survey respondents and what this interpretation implies about behavior outside the survey.Citation
Maćkowiak, Bartosz, and Mirko Wiederholt. 2026. "Rational Inattention during a Randomized Controlled Trial." American Economic Review: Insights 8 (1): 19–35. DOI: 10.1257/aeri.20240509Additional Materials
JEL Classification
- C90 Design of Experiments: General
- D83 Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
- D91 Micro-Based Behavioral Economics: Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making