Calibration of quantum decision theory: aversion to large losses and predictability of probabilistic choices


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Date

2023-03

Publication Type

Journal Article

ETH Bibliography

yes

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Abstract

We present the first calibration of quantum decision theory (QDT) to a dataset of binary risky choice. We quantitatively account for the fraction of choice reversals between two repetitions of the experiment, using a probabilistic choice formulation in the simplest form without model assumption or adjustable parameters. The prediction of choice reversal is then refined by introducing heterogeneity between decision makers through their differentiation into two groups: ‘majoritarian’ and ‘contrarian’ (in proportion 3:1). This supports the first fundamental tenet of QDT, which models choice as an inherent probabilistic process, where the probability of a prospect can be expressed as the sum of its utility and attraction factors. We propose to parameterize the utility factor with a stochastic version of cumulative prospect theory (logit-CPT), and the attraction factor with a constant absolute risk aversion function. For this dataset, and penalising the larger number of QDT parameters via the Wilks test of nested hypotheses, the QDT model is found to perform significantly better than logit-CPT at both the aggregate and individual levels, and for all considered fit criteria for the first experiment iteration and for predictions (second ‘out-of-sample’ iteration). The distinctive QDT effect captured by the attraction factor is mostly appreciable (i.e. most relevant and strongest in amplitude) for prospects with big losses. Our quantitative analysis of the experimental results supports the existence of an intrinsic limit of predictability, which is associated with the inherent probabilistic nature of choice. The results of the paper can find applications both in the prediction of choice of human decision makers as well as for organizing the operation of artificial intelligence.

Publication status

published

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Book title

Volume

4 (1)

Pages / Article No.

15009

Publisher

IOP Publishing

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Edition / version

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Date collected

Date created

Subject

quantum decision theory; prospect probability; utility factor; attraction factor; stochastic cumulative prospect theory; predictability limit

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Notes

Funding

159461 - Quantum Decision Theory: other classical paradoxes, losses, functional attraction factors, quantum artificial intelligence, large scale experimental tests and application to management (SNF)

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