This paper explores implications for one-stage and two-stage decision processes of a theory of choice tha t accommodates nontransitive preferences. It focuses on probabilistic convexification of finite base sets and on choice from convex sets. The one-stage formulation always has a maximally-preferred element in the convex set. Two-stage processes allow not only a holistic procedure for the entire problem, but also give rise to naive and sophisticated sequential procedures. All three have unambiguous solutions, but they can be radically different under intransitivities. The thre e two-stage solutions coincide when preferences are transitive.

This paper uses cross-sectional and longitudinal data to examine differences in pay for equally-skilled workers in different ind ustries. The major finding is that there is substantial dispersion in wages across industries, even after allowing for measured and unmeas ured labor quality, working conditions, fringe benefits, transitory d emand shocks, the threat of union-ization, union bargaining power, fi rm size, and other factors. In addition, evidence is presented demons trating that turnover has a negative relationship with industry wage differentials. These findings suggest that workers in high-wage indus tries receive noncompetitive rents.