Convex choice

Abstract

For multidimensional Euclidean type spaces, we study convex choice: from any choice set, the set of types that make the same choice is convex. We establish that, in a suitable sense, this property characterizes the sufficiency of local incentive constraints. Convex choice is also of interest more broadly, e.g., in cheap-talk games. We tie convex choice to a notion of directional single-crossing differences (DSCD). For an expected utility agent choosing among lotteries, DSCD implies that preferences are either one-dimensional or must take the affine form that has been tractable in multidimensional mechanism design. (Joint work with Navin Kartik)