ICES Seminar in Experimental Economics and Game Theory
The Evolution of Preferences: A Panel Study of the University Years
Friday, March 6, 2026 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM EST
Vernon Smith Hall (formerly Metropolitan Building), 5183
The ICES Seminar in Experimental Economics and Game Theory of the Spring 2026 semester will feature:
Texas A&M University
The Evolution of Preferences: A Panel Study of the University Years
Abstract
We analyze a unique longitudinal dataset of university students to investigate the stability of altruistic and risk preferences over a five-year period. Our findings indicate that subjects’ risk tolerance, as measured by incentivized lottery choices, tends to increase over time, while it moves in the opposite direction when assessed through a non-incentivized survey question. On the other hand, altruism falls sharply during the university years. Furthermore, we exploit the COVID-19 pandemic to explore the impact of negative experiences and emotions on the temporal changes in subjects’ preferences.
For more information about the Seminar Series, please visit the Seminar Schedule homepage.
