A Sparsity-Based Model of Bounded Rationality

Publication information:

Gabaix. A Sparsity-Based Model of Bounded Rationality. Quarterly Journal of Economics. 2014;129(4):1661–1710.

Abstract

I propose a tractable behavioral "max" operator, the sparse max.  It yields a behavioral version of basic consumer theory (e.g., Marshallian demand, Slutsky matrix, nominal illusion) and equilibrium theory (e.g., Arrow-Debreu, Edgeworth boxes.)