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Minimizing learning in repeated real-effort tasks

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  • Benndorf, Volker
  • Rau, Holger A.
  • Sölch, Christian

Abstract

In this paper, we discuss learning behavior and the heterogeneity of subjects’ ability to perform in real-effort tasks. We present a task, which aims to minimize learning in repeated settings. In the task participants encrypt words into numbers. We randomize the numbers in the allocation table and the position of the words in the table after a puzzle was solved. We report data where subjects work repeatedly in the task for ten periods. We find a very weak learning behavior of 2% between periods 1–5 and periods 6–10 of the data. The data demonstrate that subjects show a small heterogeneity in performance. Our results also show that women perform better in the task. Hence, the task is also adequate for settings, which aim to analyze gender settings where female participants have an advantage. This may be helpful as many tasks find a male advantage or no gender difference.

Suggested Citation

  • Benndorf, Volker & Rau, Holger A. & Sölch, Christian, 2019. "Minimizing learning in repeated real-effort tasks," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Finance, Elsevier, vol. 22(C), pages 239-248.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:beexfi:v:22:y:2019:i:c:p:239-248
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbef.2019.04.002
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    13. Marcel Preuss & Germ'an Reyes & Jason Somerville & Joy Wu, 2022. "Inequality of Opportunity and Income Redistribution," Papers 2209.00534, arXiv.org, revised Mar 2024.
    14. Preuss, Marcel & Reyes, Germán & Somerville, Jason & Wu, Joy, 2022. "Inequality of Opportunity and Income Redistribution," VfS Annual Conference 2022 (Basel): Big Data in Economics 264138, Verein für Socialpolitik / German Economic Association.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Experimental methods; Learning behavior; Real effort;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C90 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - General
    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior

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