Chronological Choice and Preference Discovery: A Framework for Decision-Making Over Time

This study introduces a framework for analyzing decision-making when choices are made in a specific chronological order. It compares this approach to the traditional choice theory, which does not consider the timing of decisions, and examines other models that build on this standard framework. The study then applies this framework to explore different ways individuals discover their preferences. Using simple revealed preference tests, it identifies various models based on two key factors: (1) the prior beliefs individuals have about their options and (2) whether they make decisions step by step or consider future choices when making current decisions. The findings offer new ways to test how individuals learn and refine their preferences, distinguishing between those who focus only on the present and those who plan for the future.

Revealing Preference Discovery: A Chronological Choice Framework

Ferreira, J.V., Gravel, N. Revealing preference discovery: a chronological choice framework. Theory Decis 98, 1–32 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11238-024-09993-9