Journal of Public Economics · 2024 · B. Douglas Bernheim、Jonas Mueller-Gastell
中文摘要
以往关于最优默认选项的研究表明,在限制性条件下,退出最小化或退出最大化是最优的。我们通过研究当问题的一个参数趋近于极限值时的最优默认选项,得到该解的一般性刻画。我们将这些“渐近最优解”解释为非极限情形下的近似最优解,并通过数值模拟为这一解释提供依据。当设计者与选择者对活动价值的判断一致时,若干简单形式的加权退出最小化是渐近最优的。进一步的结论涵盖了庇古税、规范性模糊,以及设计者与选择者对活动价值判断不一致的情形。• 提供了最优默认选项的一般性刻画。• 所用方法是将渐近最优解作为近似加以研究。• 在不存在外部性时,加权退出最小化是渐近最优的。• 通过模拟验证了近似的准确性。• 拓展情形包括存在外部性、庇古税以及规范性模糊的情形。
Abstract
Previous studies of optimal default options demonstrate that either opt-out minimization or maximization is optimal under restrictive conditions. We obtain a general characterization of the solution by studying optimal defaults when one of the problem’s parameters approaches a limiting value. We interpret these “asymptotic optima” as approximate optima for non-limiting cases and justify this interpretation through numerical simulations. When the designer and choosers agree about the activity’s value, simple forms of weighted opt-out minimization are asymptotically optimal. Additional results encompass Pigouvian fees, normative ambiguity, and cases in which the designer and choosers disagree about the activity’s value. • A general characterization of the optimal default options is provided. • The method used involves studying asymptotic optima as approximations. • With no externalities, weighted opt-out minimization is asymptotically optimal. • The accuracy of the approximations is verified through simulations. • Extensions include cases with externalities, Pigouvian fees, and normative ambiguity.