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Selective Incentives in an Apex Game

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  • Pamela Oliver

    (Sociology Department, University of Louisville)

Abstract

The effect of a selective incentive system on the likelihood of collective action is tested using an experiment with an Apex Game, a power-imbalanced game in which the weak players choose between competing against each other to form an alliance with the strong player or cooperating with each other in a unanimous alliance of weak players (excluding the strong player). A theoretical introduction analyzes the nature and importance of selective incentives for collective action and demonstrates the relevance of Apex Game experiments for studies of collective action. Results confirm the predictions: Formation of the coalition of weak players rises from 20% in the control condition to 62% when a negative selective incentive system is added.

Suggested Citation

  • Pamela Oliver, 1980. "Selective Incentives in an Apex Game," Journal of Conflict Resolution, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 24(1), pages 113-141, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jocore:v:24:y:1980:i:1:p:113-141
    DOI: 10.1177/002200278002400105
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Chamberlin, John, 1974. "Provision of Collective Goods As a Function of Group Size," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 68(2), pages 707-716, June.
    2. Reinhard Selten & Klaus G. Schuster, 1968. "Psychological Variables and Coalition-Forming Behaviour," International Economic Association Series, in: Karl Borch & Jan Mossin (ed.), Risk and Uncertainty, chapter 0, pages 221-246, Palgrave Macmillan.
    3. V. Edwin Bixenstine & Clifford A. Levitt & Kellogg V. Wilson, 1966. "Collaboration among six persons in a Prisoner's Dilemma game," Journal of Conflict Resolution, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 10(4), pages 488-496, December.
    4. Norman Schofield, 1975. "A Game Theoretic Analysis of Olson's Game of Collective Action," Journal of Conflict Resolution, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 19(3), pages 441-461, September.
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