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Revisiting Strategic versus Non-Strategic Cooperation

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Author Info
Reuben, Ernesto () (Columbia University)
Suetens, Sigrid () (Tilburg University)

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Abstract

We use a novel experimental design to disentangle strategically- and non-strategically-motivated cooperation. By using contingent responses in a repeated sequential prisoners' dilemma with a known probabilistic end, we differentiate end-game behavior from continuation behavior within individuals while controlling for expectations. This design allows us to determine the extent to which strategically-cooperating individuals are responsible for the so-called end-game effect. Experiments with two different subject pools indicate that the most common motive for cooperation in repeated games is strategic and that the extent to which end-game effects are driven by strategically-cooperating individuals depends on the profitability of cooperation.

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Publisher Info
Paper provided by Institute for the Study of Labor (IZA) in its series IZA Discussion Papers with number 4107.

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Length: 29 pages
Date of creation: Apr 2009
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Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp4107

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Related research
Keywords: reputation building; strong reciprocity; conditional cooperation; strategic cooperation;

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Find related papers by JEL classification:
C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
D01 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Microeconomic Behavior: Underlying Principles
D74 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances

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Cited by:
(explanations, Please report citation or reference errors to , or , if you are the registered author of the cited work, log in to your RePEc Author Service profile, click on "citations" and make appropriate adjustments.)

  1. Mengel Friederike, 2009. "Never change a winning team: The effect of substitutions on success in football tournaments," Research Memoranda 027, Maastricht : METEOR, Maastricht Research School of Economics of Technology and Organization. [Downloadable!]
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