Through two experiments we investigated, in a laboratory setting, whether a series of identical outcomes in a supposed random game would induce the gambler’s fallacy or the hot-hand fallacy. By using two indices of fallacy, the choice of a card on which to bet and the probability estimate of the occurrence of a given outcome, we tested explicitly the widely accepted hypothesis that the two fallacies were based on erroneous probability estimates. Moreover, we investigated whether fallacies increase the proneness to bet. Our results support the occurrence of the gambler’s fallacy rather than the hot-hand fallacy but suggest that choice and probability estimates are two reciprocally independent processes. Finally, probability estimates predict the amount bet.

Are the gambler's fallacy or the hot-hand fallacy due to an erroneous probability estimate?

Matarazzo, Olimpia
;
Greco, Claudia;
2017

Abstract

Through two experiments we investigated, in a laboratory setting, whether a series of identical outcomes in a supposed random game would induce the gambler’s fallacy or the hot-hand fallacy. By using two indices of fallacy, the choice of a card on which to bet and the probability estimate of the occurrence of a given outcome, we tested explicitly the widely accepted hypothesis that the two fallacies were based on erroneous probability estimates. Moreover, we investigated whether fallacies increase the proneness to bet. Our results support the occurrence of the gambler’s fallacy rather than the hot-hand fallacy but suggest that choice and probability estimates are two reciprocally independent processes. Finally, probability estimates predict the amount bet.
2017
Matarazzo, Olimpia; Carpentieri, Michele; Greco, Claudia; Pizzini, Barbara
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11591/385106
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