Source Themes

Information Distortion in Label Design in Over-the-Counter Drug Market

This paper examines how over-the-counter drug labels influence consumer perceptions of efficacy, distort decision-making, and shape equilibrium outcomes under counterfactual regulatory scenarios. It addresses a key identification challenge—the unobservability of perceived efficacy under different information structures—by conducting a randomized controlled trial and integrating its findings into a structural model. Using data from a control group and three treatment arms, I construct product-level measures of perceived efficacy beliefs based on pairwise product comparisons. Leveraging control group data supplemented with NielsenIQ data, I estimate a structural demand model that isolates the role of efficacy beliefs while accounting for heterogeneous preferences. I then incorporate updated beliefs to assess equilibrium effects under each information treatment. In equilibrium, the most effective intervention—emphasizing equivalent efficacy—increases substitution between biologically equivalent products by 26\%, reduces consumer spending by 12\%, but also introduces second-degree price discrimination driven by symptom-label preferences.

“Does the Internet Improve Health Behavior? Costly Information Acquisition under Heterogeneity in Health-Related Risk Perception”

No one can remain neutral regarding health information about their conditions. While some focus on the worst-case scenario, others seek justifications for not visiting the doctor. The complexity and diversity of current online health information …

Role of Medicare Policy in Innovation Diffusion

This study examines whether Medicare reimbursement schemes play a critical role in addressing market failures, particularly the slow adoption of innovative and consumer-beneficial technologies. It paper examines the role of Medicare financial …

Promotional Activity Under Information Smattering

This paper discuss theoretically and empirically second degree price discrimination under the condition when companies use pricing strategies to prevent consumers form learning about equivalence in quality.