The effect of elicitation methods on ambiguity aversion: an experimental investigation

In this paper we elicit preferences for the classical three-color Ellsberg Paradax employing three different methods, choices, minimal selling prices and maximal buying prices. The resulting data reveal a high frequency of preference reversals which have not been analyzed before in choice under uncertainty. Moreover, we analyze the effect of elicitation methods on the degree of ambiguity aversion. While there is no apparent difference in the attitude towards ambiguity between selling and buying prices we observe a rather distinct pattern of behavior for choices: Compared to choices, eliciting preferences by pricing tasks decreases the number of subjects being ambiguity averse in both tasks and increases the number of subjects being ambiguity neutral or prone. We argue that this difference between pricing and choice supports the hypothesis of comparative ignorance.Ellsberg Paradox, ambiguity aversion, preference reversal, comparative ignorance

Gefährdete Nutztierrassen – das Kommunikationsdilemma

Verbraucher und ihr Konsumverhalten spielen eine wichtige Rolle in der Erhaltung von gefährdeten Nutztierrassen in der Landwirtschaft. Dennoch ist wenig bekannt über Verbrauchereinstellungen zu Fleisch- und Wurstprodukten von gefährdeten Nutztierrassen. Um diese Wissenslücke zu schließen, wurde eine explorative Datenerhebung in Deutschland durchgeführt. Als Art der Datengewinnung wurde die Methode Lauten Denkens gewählt. Die dabei entstandenen Daten wurden wörtlich transkribiert, codiert und mittels der qualitativen Inhaltsanalyse ausgewertet. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass Begriffe wie "gefährdet" oder "vom Aussterben bedroht" negative Assoziationen bei den befragten Verbrauchern auslösten. Teilweise kommunizierten diese sogar einen Konsumverzicht, da sie die Problematik gefährdeter Nutzttierrassen im Vergleich zu gefährdeten Wildtieren nicht verstanden. Außerdem kommunizierten die befraten Verbraucher ihr Misstrauen gegenüber konventionellen Lebenmitteleinzelhändlern. Sie sagten, dass die Erhaltung von gefährdeten Nutztierrassen nicht deren primäres Ziel sei. Das zeigt die Möglichkeiten für Naturkostfachhändler sich mit Produkten, die die Artenvielfalt erhalten, einen Konkurrenzvorteil zu verschaffen

Draft Genome Sequence of Rheinheimera sp. F8, a Biofilm-Forming Strain Which Produces Large Amounts of Extracellular DNA

Rheinheimera sp. strain F8 is a biofilm-forming gammaproteobacterium that has been found to produce large amounts of filamentous extracellular DNA. Here, we announce the de novo assembly of its genome. It is estimated to be 4,464,511 bp in length, with 3,970 protein-coding sequences and 92 RNA-coding sequences

Revolutionizing Crowdworking Campaigns: Conquering Adverse Selection and Moral Hazard with the Help of Smart Contracts

Crowdworking is increasingly being applied by companies to outsource tasks beyond their core competencies flexibly and cost-effectively to an unknown group. However, the anonymous and financially incentivized nature of crowdworkers creates information asymmetries and conflicts of interest, leading to inefficiencies and intensifying the principal-agent problem. Our paper offers a solution to the widespread problem of inefficient Crowdworking campaigns. We first derive the currently applied Crowdworking campaign process based on a qualitative study. Subsequently, we identify the broadest adverse selection and moral hazard problems in the process. We then analyze how the blockchain application of smart contracts can counteract those challenges and develop a process model that maps a Crowdworking campaign using smart contracts. We explain how our developed process significantly reduces adverse selection and moral hazard at each stage. Thus, our research provides approaches to make online labor more attractive and transparent for companies and online workers

Introduction

Peer reviewe

Can a beautiful smile win the vote?

Several empirical studies have linked political candidates’ electoral success to their physical appearance. We reexamine the effects of candidates’ physical attractiveness by taking into account emotional facial expressions as measured by automated facial recognition software. The analysis is based on an observational case study of candidate characteristics in the 2017 German federal election. Using hierarchical regression modeling and controlling for candidates’ displays of happiness, consistent effects of physical attractiveness remain. The results suggest that a potential interaction effect between displays of happiness and attractiveness positively affects vote shares. The study emphasizes the importance of considering emotional expressions when analyzing the impact of candidate appearance on electoral outcomes.Peer Reviewe