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A unified approach to comparative statics puzzles in experiments

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  • Armin Schmutzler

    (Socioeconomic Institute, University of Zurich)

Abstract

Many experimental studies implement two versions of one game for which agents� behavior is fundamentally different even though the Nash prediction is the same. This paper provides a novel explanation of such findings. Starting from the observation that many of the games under consideration satisfy the strategic-complementarity property, I obtain predictions for the direction of adjustment in response to parameter changes which do not require calculation of the equilibrium. I show that these predictions explain the experimental evidence very well. Further, I provide a behavioral justification of the approach, and I explore the relation to alternative explanations based on equilibrium selection theories and the quantal response equilibrium.

Suggested Citation

  • Armin Schmutzler, 2006. "A unified approach to comparative statics puzzles in experiments," SOI - Working Papers 0601, Socioeconomic Institute - University of Zurich, revised Nov 2008.
    • Handle: RePEc:soz:wpaper:0601
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    3. Miettinen, Topi, 2013. "Promises and conventions – An approach to pre-play agreements," Games and Economic Behavior, Elsevier, vol. 80(C), pages 68-84.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    experimental economics; game theory; Nash equilibrium; embedding method;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C70 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - General
    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior

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