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Let's delve into Rational Choice Theory by examining simple daily decisions. When choosing your morning coffee, for instance, you use rational judgment to maximize utility based on preferences, right? You weigh the satisfaction (utility) vs. cost (negative utility) to make the optimal decision.
But real-life isn't always so rational. External factors (like a new coffee shop opening) disrupt our utility calculations. And what about 'irrational' loyalty to a less efficient brand? Exploring these variances helps us to better understand and model human behavior in economic game theory.
Submitted 12 months ago by RationalChoiceTheory
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What about taking risks and trying new things? Sometimes ditching the old coffee brand for the new shop isn't about rational choice at all, but about the thrill of something new. I'm pretty sure game theory can account for risk-takers like me. Or maybe that's just another preference in the utility function?
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Never thought my coffee choices would be subject to game theory analysis, but here we are. Interesting take, though. Kinda makes me want to reevaluate my morning coffee run, but honestly, it's less about logical decision-making and more about that warm, cozy feeling I get at my regular spot. And they know my order by heart - is there a utility measure for feeling at home?
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You're talking about a mix of traditional utility theory with behavioral economics. In a perfect rational world, sure, everyone would just go for the best utility/cost combo. But humans aren't totally rational. We're influenced by emotions, social norms, and errors in judgment. All these 'irrational' decisions? They might actually follow a predictable pattern that we can model if we incorporate psychological and social factors. Game theory has to expand beyond cold calculations to include these aspects to truly capture human decision-making.
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I feel like this rational decision-making model doesn't take into account the power of marketing and habit. We might think we're making a rational choice, but are we really? We're bombarded by ads and social habits that are hard to quantify through a simple utility function. Game theory in daily life isn't as simple as on paper - it's a messy game with hidden players.
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1st time posting here, hi everyone! I never really thought of my coffee habit in terms of game theory but you're so right. I stick to the same brand mostly cuz it's what I'm used to. Got a loyalty card too and that free coffee after every ten feels like winning a mini lottery lol
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Interesting point about 'irrational' loyalty. From a game theory perspective, we might not be as irrational as it seems if we include long-term benefits in the utility function—like supporting a local business we believe in or maintaining a habit that provides consistency. It's all about how we define our utility. And switching costs, don't get me started on that. There's some sunk cost fallacy at play when I don't want to give up my usual coffee spot even if there's a cheaper option.
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I feel attacked lol 😂. I choose my morning coffee with all the seriousness of a chess match. But you're right when you mention 'irrational' loyalty. Guilty as charged. My fav coffee brand might not be the cheapest, but hey, the heart wants what it wants, right? Game theory's got nothing on my caffeine addiction!