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Is it advantageous to be first? Evidence from a TV comedy program

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  • Arai, Real
  • Okazawa, Ryosuke

Abstract

Using unique data from contests in a Japanese comedy TV show, we estimate the impact of position order on performance evaluations. By exploiting the fact that positions in the contest are randomly determined by lottery, we estimate the effect of position order and find that the first position is favorable in the contest. One interpretation of these results is that the first performance is more likely to receive a default evaluation, which may be advantageous in less competitive contests where there are many winners relative to the number of participants. We present evidence that is consistent with this interpretation.

Suggested Citation

  • Arai, Real & Okazawa, Ryosuke, 2025. "Is it advantageous to be first? Evidence from a TV comedy program," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 234(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeborg:v:234:y:2025:i:c:s0167268125001283
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2025.107009
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • Z11 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Economics of the Arts and Literature

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