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Conformity and adaptation in groups

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  • Bose, Gautam
  • Dechter, Evgenia
  • Ivancic, Lorraine

Abstract

Empirical and experimental evidence suggests that individual behavior in group interactions is affected by perceived norms of behavior within the group. We design an experiment to test this hypothesis. We find that (a) when agents interact within a group, the initial diverse behaviors converge to the group average and individuals cluster more tightly around this benchmark as they learn the average, (b) actions further from this benchmark in a self-serving direction are less acceptable by others, and (c) when an agent is moved to a group with a different benchmark, s/he conforms quickly to the new benchmark.

Suggested Citation

  • Bose, Gautam & Dechter, Evgenia & Ivancic, Lorraine, 2023. "Conformity and adaptation in groups," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 212(C), pages 1267-1285.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeborg:v:212:y:2023:i:c:p:1267-1285
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2023.06.006
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Group behavior; Norms; Conformity; Ultimatum game;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C72 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Noncooperative Games
    • C78 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Bargaining Theory; Matching Theory
    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • C92 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Group Behavior

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