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Strengths of the Weakest-Link

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Author Info
Philippe Février (Insee and Crest Lei)
) Laurent Linnemer (University of Lille 2 and Crest Lei)
)

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Abstract

The "Weakest Link" is a game show full of paradox. To increase the probability of winning, contestants should eliminate the strongest players. Yet, if it is anticipated that the best player is to be eliminated, participants do not answer questions correctly and nothing is gained. We solve a game that illustrates the Weakest Link tradeoffs and show that two equilibria coexist: an equilibrium in which players remain silent and a more entertaining equilibrium in which they give good answers whenever they can. We study the first wave of the Weakest Link show broadcast in France. Contestants vote against the weakest player and answer truthfully to the questions. They exhibit, however, myopic behavior as they do not use all the available information. The selection of one equilibrium or the other relies on how players coordinate in voting subgames. Three arguments are provided to explain observed behavior: Pareto domination, risk domination, and the "mise en scène" of the show.

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File URL: http://129.3.20.41/eps/exp/papers/0210/0210002.pdf
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Publisher Info
Paper provided by EconWPA in its series Experimental with number 0210002.

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Length: 45 pages
Date of creation: 27 Oct 2002
Date of revision:
Handle: RePEc:wpa:wuwpex:0210002

Note: Type of Document - pdf; prepared on pc; pages: 45; figures: 3
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Web page: http://129.3.20.41

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Related research
Keywords: Coordination; Pareto and risk domination; vote; game show; eld experiment;

Other versions of this item:

Find related papers by JEL classification:
C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
C72 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Noncooperative Games
D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Models of Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
D80 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - General

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  1. Jullien, Bruno & Salanié, Bernard, 2005. "Empirical Evidence on the Preferences of Racetrack Bettors," IDEI Working Papers 178, Institut d'Économie Industrielle (IDEI), Toulouse. [Downloadable!]
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