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Cheating in mind games: The subtlety of rules matters

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  • Jiang, Ting

Abstract

This paper employs two variants of the “mind game” to show how a subtle variation in the game's rules affects cheating. In both variants of the game, cheating is invisible because subjects make their choices purely in their minds. The only difference stems from the ordering of steps that subjects are instructed to follow when playing the game. The order of play has a significant impact on cheating behavior, even though the rules cannot be enforced.

Suggested Citation

  • Jiang, Ting, 2013. "Cheating in mind games: The subtlety of rules matters," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 93(C), pages 328-336.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeborg:v:93:y:2013:i:c:p:328-336
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2013.04.003
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Cheating; Mind game; Rule design; Moral image; Decision time;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
    • H26 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Tax Evasion and Avoidance
    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law

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