Loss aversion and the gain/loss comparison hypothesis
Abstract
Loss aversion is a psychological construct, which posits that monetary losses
affect behavior to a disproportionate degree when compared to monetary gains of equal
value. However, recently researchers have suggested that loss aversion may not be as
universal as psychologists once thought (Erev, Ert, & Yechiam, 2008; Ert & Erev, 2013;
Gal, 2006; Gal & Rucker, 2018; Yechiam, 2018). McGraw, Larsen, Kahneman, and
Schkade (2010) proposed that a psychological comparison of losses and gains on a
common scale is behind loss aversion. While they present evidence that they claim
supports this hypothesis, methodological flaws in their study make this a tenuous
conclusion (notably the use of scales with unequal numbers of points as well as a
confounding of the independent and dependent variable).
The present study attempted to correct these methodological flaws and test
McGraw et al.’s (2010) gain/loss comparison hypothesis, with the independent variable
(comparison between gains and losses) placed in the framing of the question. That is, the
study asked participants two questions each about a series of 50-50 hypothetical gambles
(for values of $1, $5, $50, and $200), one question about the effect that a loss would have
on them and the other question about the effect that a gain would have on them.
However, participants were randomly assigned to respond to a question about the effect
of a loss (gain) of $x knowing that there is also a possibility that they could gain (lose)
$x, or to a question with only the relevant gain (loss) mentioned.
This study hypothesized that participants who compare gains and losses would
show both loss aversion and reversed loss aversion (gains having a greater impact than
losses) (Harinck, Van Beest, Van Dijk, & Van Zeeland, 2007), while participants in the
non-comparison condition would show indifference across gambles.
These results suggest that while magnitude and condition both influenced
affective judgments, the predicted interaction between the two variables did not occur.
Participants in the comparison condition displayed a trend towards loss aversion, while
participants in the non-comparison condition displayed a slight trend towards reversed
loss aversion. Future research should consider pilot testing questions to ensure
understanding by participants as well as test this framing manipulation in a decision-making
context (as opposed to an affective judgment).
Subject
Loss aversion
Gain/loss comparison
Permanent Link
http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/79584Description
"A Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science Psychology-Cognitive and Affective."