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Do we all coordinate in the long run?

Author

Listed:
  • Manja Gärtner

    (Competition and Consumers Department, German Institute for Economic Research (DIW Berlin)
    Linköping University)

  • Robert Östling

    (Stockholm School of Economics)

  • Sebastian Tebbe

    (Stockholm University)

Abstract

Players often fail to coordinate on the efficient equilibrium in laboratory weak-link coordination games. In this paper, we investigate whether such coordination failures can be mitigated by increasing the number of rounds or altering per-period stakes. We find that neither time horizon nor stakes affect equilibrium selection. In contrast to previous findings, players are not more likely to play above the previous period’s minimum choice when the horizon is longer or per-period stakes lower. We also investigate which socio-demographic factors and behavioral traits correlate most strongly with play both in the first round and in subsequent rounds. Cognitive ability as measured by a cognitive reflection test stands out as the characteristic that is most strongly associated with efficient coordination.

Suggested Citation

  • Manja Gärtner & Robert Östling & Sebastian Tebbe, 2023. "Do we all coordinate in the long run?," Journal of the Economic Science Association, Springer;Economic Science Association, vol. 9(1), pages 16-33, June.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:jesaex:v:9:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1007_s40881-022-00125-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s40881-022-00125-z
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Coordination games; Weak-link games; Coordination failure; Strategic risk;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C72 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Noncooperative Games
    • C92 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Group Behavior

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