Empirical Evidence of Behavioral Biases in Investment: Should We Be Looking for Financial Variables to Moderate Them?
摘要
Behavioral finance integrates cognitive psychology into financial decision-making, challenging the rational assumptions of traditional finance. This study investigates the presence and intensity of cognitive and emotional biases among Indian investors, focusing on variations across age, gender, and education levels. Using a descriptive research design, data was collected through a structured questionnaire targeting 151 respondents from urban areas in India who actively engage in investment activities. The survey included hypothetical scenarios to identify eight key biases, such as loss aversion, overconfidence, and conservatism. Descriptive, graphical, and cross-sectional analyses were employed to evaluate the findings. Results reveal that cognitive biases are more prevalent than emotional biases, significantly influencing investment decisions. This research provides insights for financial intermediaries to address these biases effectively, emphasizing the importance of moderating variables to enhance rational decision-making and mitigate the impact of behavioral biases.