Choice resolutions

Abstract

AbstractWe describe a process to compose and decompose choice behavior, called resolution. In the forward direction, resolutions amalgamate simple choices to create a complex one. In the backward direction, resolutions detect when and how a primitive choice can be deconstructed into smaller choices. A choice is resolvable if it is the resolution of smaller choices. Rationalizability, rationalizability by a preorder, and path independence are all preserved (backward and forward) by resolutions, whereas rationalizability by a weak order (equivalently, ) is not. We characterize resolvable choices, and show that resolvability generalizes .