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Review of Economic Studies Vol. 58 No. 5 1991

Computing Multi-Period, Information-Constrained Optima

Christopher Phelan; Robert M. Townsend

University of Chicago

Abstract

This paper presents a detailed theoretical derivation and justification for methods used to compute solutions to a multi-period (including infinite-period), continuum-agent, unobservedeffort economy. Actual solutions are displayed illustrating cross-sectional variability in consumption and labour effort in the population at a point in time and variability for a typical individual over time. The optimal tradeoff between insurance and incentives is explored and the issue of excess variability is addressed by consideration of the analogue full-information economy and various restricted-contracting regimes.

DOI
10.2307/2297941
Volume
58
Issue
5
Pages
853
Sources
bibtex:phds-export.bib openalex crossref

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