A Test of Transitivity

Authors

Derek L. Hansen, Brigham Young University
Dr. Mark Showalter, Brigham Young University

Keywords

transitivity, survey, economic theory

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Economics

Abstract

A theory is only as good as the assumptions upon which it is based. Because of this, assumptions are constantly held up to the light to see if, in fact, they are genuine. In the field of Economics, several assumptions are made concerning the rationality of humans. One of these presumed rational behaviors is called transitivity. Transitivity simply means that if I prefer A to B, and B to C, it follows that I should also prefer A to C. The purpose of this project was to test whether or not people are transitive, and if so, what factors contribute to people being more or less transitive. Knowing to what extent, and in what circumstances, people are transitive will help determine how accurate economic theory is in various situations.

Recommended Citation

Hansen, Derek L. and Showalter, Dr. Mark (2014) "A Test of Transitivity," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2014: Iss. 1, Article 190.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2014/iss1/190