Non-expected utility maximizers behave as if expected utility maximizers: An experimental test

We investigate the behaviors of subjects who either do or do not adhere to the expected utility theory using the Becker-DeGroot-Marschak (BDM) method. We directly examine the validity of the expected utility theory in order to distinguish subjects into two groups: those who adhere to the expected utility theory (expected utility maximizers) and those who do not adhere to it (non-expected utility maximizers), and then execute the BDM experiment in the both groups. We find that the differences in the stated prices between the expected and non-expected utility maximizers are not significant. This result implies practical usefulness for the BDM method.BDM method Expected utility theory Reduction axiom Certainty equivalent