Decision Theory

by Silvia Bacci (Author), Bruno Chiandotto (Author)
Introduction to Statistical Decision Theory: Utility Theory and Causal Analysis provides the theoretical background to approach decision theory from a statistical perspective

This book is the second edition of Behavioral Decision Theory, published in 2014. The main approach and structure of this book have been retained in the new edition. However, this second edition provides a fresh overview of the idea of behavioral decision theory and related research findings such as theoretical and empirical discoveries of preference formation, time discounting, social interaction, and social decision making.

This monograph is written for advanced graduate students, Ph.D. students, and researchers in mathematical statistics and decision theory. All major topics are introduced on a fairly elementary level and then developed gradually to higher levels. The book is self-contained as it provides full proofs, worked-out examples, and problems. It can be used as a basis for graduate courses, seminars, Ph.D. programs, self-studies, and as a reference book.

This book provides an overview of behavioral decision theory and related research findings. In brief, behavioral decision theory is a general term for descriptive theories to explain the psychological knowledge related to decision-making behavior. It is called a theory, but actually it is a combination of various psychological theories, for which axiomatic systems, such as the utility theory widely used in economics, have not been established; it is often limited to qualitative knowledge.

Decision theory is generally taught in one of two very different ways. When of opti­ taught by theoretical statisticians, it tends to be presented as a set of mathematical techniques mality principles, together with a collection of various statistical procedures. When useful in establishing the optimality taught by applied decision theorists, it is usually a course in Bayesian analysis, showing how this one decision principle can be applied in various practical situations. The original goal I had in writing this book was to find some middle ground. I wanted a book which discussed the more theoretical ideas and techniques of decision theory, but in a manner that was constantly oriented towards solving statistical problems. In particular, it seemed crucial to include a discussion of when and why the various decision prin­ ciples should be used, and indeed why decision theory is needed at all.

When it comes to making the right decision, don’t leave it up to chance
Professor and mathematician James Stein demystifies Decision Theory and shows you how you can apply the principles of this exciting new field of mathematics to help you make the right decisions in all areas of your life. The Right Decision is peppered with intriguing ‘Decision Exercises’ to make complicated ideas seem simple, revolutionizing the way you think and make choices.