Partition dependence

What is partition dependence?

Partition dependence occurs when choices or allocations change with the way an unchanged set of options is grouped. People may spread resources across the displayed categories, so dividing one category into several can affect the resulting allocation.

Original evidence

Fox, Ratner, and Lieb (2005) reported experiments involving allocations to beneficiaries, consumption over time, and selections from menus. The studies also found weaker effects with relevant experience and stronger or more accessible preferences.

Example and limits

A donation menu could show two broad causes or split one cause into several named subcategories. If the underlying recipients stay the same but allocations change, that would be evidence of partition dependence.

This illustration is not a prediction that donations will split equally or that every category change will work. To test the effect, keep the underlying options and information comparable while changing their grouping.