How much time-inconsistency is there and does it matter? Evidence on self-awareness, size, and effects

Abstract

Using students' predicted and unpredicted delays in midterm preparation as measures of time-inconsistency and self-awareness, this paper shows that time-inconsistent behavior is associated with inferior class performance even after controlling for the actual time spent in preparation. Most students showed some time-inconsistency. Most were at least partially aware of their time-inconsistency. Despite full awareness, the sophisticates still under-performed in class relative to the time-consistent. Furthermore, they might still show over-confidence in their self-evaluation of future class performance. Those naive about future time-inconsistency also under-performed relative to the time-consistent.©2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.