Does framing affect risk attitude? Experimental evidence from credit market

Abstract

In this article we study the effect of framing on the attitude of lenders toward risk over a credit cycle and also review potential causes of negative framing when making decisions. Using an experimental setting, we present evidence of frame of losses' significant impact on willingness to accept credit risk: In comparison with frame of gains, willingness to accept credit risk increases from 29% in frame of gains up to 77% in frame of losses. Among the main reasons leading to a shift in frames, changes in bargaining power and conflict of interests are proposed. Admitting the existence of negative framing in credit market helps explaining duration of credit crunches and excessive risk taking during the upward phases of credit cycle. © 2014 Science Publication.