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Abstract
In this paper we conduct a series of field experiments in rural India in order to measure
preferences related to risk, loss, and ambiguity. Disaggregating by data, we find that on average
women are significantly more risk averse and loss averse than men, though the higher average
risk aversion arises due to a greater share of women who are extremely risk averse. Through a
series of two empirical examples, we demonstrate how these parameters affect decisions to adopt
new agricultural technologies. By combining these results with a choice experiment over new
and familiar rice seeds, we find that ambiguity averse individuals are far more likely to stick with
seeds they are familiar with, while a greater degree of loss aversion generally suggests people are
more willing to switch to a new variety.