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Second Thoughts on Free Riding

Author

Listed:
  • Ulrik H. Nielsen

    (Department of Economics, Copenhagen University)

  • Jean-Robert Tyran

    (Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR), University of Vienna, Department of Economics, Copenhagen University)

  • Erik Wengström

    (Department of Economics, Copenhagen University)

Abstract

We use the strategy method to classify subjects into cooperator types in a large-scale online Public Goods Game and find that free riders spend more time on making their decisions than conditional cooperators and other cooperator types. This result is robust to reversing the framing of the game and is not driven by free riders lacking cognitive ability, confusion, or natural swiftness in responding. Our results suggest that conditional cooperation serves as a norm and that free riders need time to resolve a moral dilemma.

Suggested Citation

  • Ulrik H. Nielsen & Jean-Robert Tyran & Erik Wengström, 2013. "Second Thoughts on Free Riding," Discussion Papers 13-08, University of Copenhagen. Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:kud:kuiedp:1308
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Response Time; Free Riding; Public Goods; Experiment;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C70 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - General
    • C90 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - General
    • D03 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Behavioral Microeconomics: Underlying Principles

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