American Economic Journal:
Microeconomics
ISSN 1945-7669 (Print) | ISSN 1945-7685 (Online)
Cognitive Ability and Perceived Disagreement in Learning
American Economic Journal: Microeconomics
(pp. 181–207)
Abstract
Do agents believe they agree more with others over time? This paper explores how individuals perceive the belief-updating behavior of others and the resulting disagreement in a sequential experiment with public information. We uncover a persistent gap in the perception of disagreement as a function of cognitive ability. Higher cognitive ability correlates with less perceived disagreement, although the average subject underestimates the extent of actual disagreement. Information about a partner's cognitive ability only impacts perceived disagreement when the partner has a low test score. Our findings highlight the roles of overconfidence and cognitive projection in shaping these perceptions.Citation
Evdokimov, Piotr, and Umberto Garfagnini. 2026. "Cognitive Ability and Perceived Disagreement in Learning." American Economic Journal: Microeconomics 18 (4): 181–207. DOI: 10.1257/mic.20240043Additional Materials
JEL Classification
- C91 Design of Experiments: Laboratory, Individual
- D12 Consumer Economics: Empirical Analysis
- D83 Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
- D91 Micro-Based Behavioral Economics: Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making