Cornell University
Library
Cornell UniversityLibrary

eCommons

Help
Log In(current)
  1. Home
  2. Cornell University Graduate School
  3. Cornell Theses and Dissertations
  4. BEHAVIORAL ECONOMICS MEETS AI: EVALUATING LLMS AS SYNTHETIC PARTICIPANTS IN SAVINGS TEMPORAL FRAMING EXPERIMENT

BEHAVIORAL ECONOMICS MEETS AI: EVALUATING LLMS AS SYNTHETIC PARTICIPANTS IN SAVINGS TEMPORAL FRAMING EXPERIMENT

File(s)
Yang_cornell_0058O_12580.pdf (428.42 KB)
Permanent Link(s)
https://doi.org/10.7298/yq35-nr38
https://hdl.handle.net/1813/120638
Collections
Cornell Theses and Dissertations
Author
Yang, Willow
Abstract

This thesis investigates whether Large Language Models (LLMs) can serve assynthetic participants in behavioral economics experiments, focusing on temporal framing effects in savings decisions. Using a prior human-subject study as a bench- mark, synthetic agents were constructed to replicate and extend the finding that daily savings framings increase participation more than monthly framings. Weak generalization matched the original sample’s traits, while strong generalization ap- plied the design to gig economy workers. The results partially replicate original findings and show strong support for framing effects in new populations. This thesis demonstrates the potential of LLM-generated agents to support behavioral research in scalable, cost-effective, and ethically constrained settings.

Description
64 pages
Date Issued
2025-08
Keywords
Behavioral Economics
•
Decision Science
•
Large Language Models (LLMs)
•
Personal Finance
•
Synthetic Agents
•
Temporal Framing
Committee Chair
Li, Shanjun
Committee Member
Turvey, Calum
Degree Discipline
Applied Economics and Management
Degree Name
M.S., Applied Economics and Management
Degree Level
Master of Science
Type
dissertation or thesis

Site Statistics | Help

About eCommons | Policies | Terms of use | Contact Us

copyright © 2002-2026 Cornell University Library | Privacy | Web Accessibility Assistance