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An exploratory study of how sleep restriction impacts choice in two classic normal form games

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  • David L. Dickinson

Abstract

We experimentally manipulate sleep levels to examine the impact of sleepiness on strategic oneshot interactions. Where multiple Nash equilibria exist (the Battle-of-the-Sexes game), sleepy subjects play closer to the mixed strategy prediction than do well-rested subjects. When there is a unique equilibrium in mixed strategies (the Penalty Kick game), strategy play of sleepy subject shows indications of reinforcement play. Sleepiness may, at least in some games, promote use of simple heuristics that focus on previous outcomes even when interactions are one-shot. Key Words: Sleep deprivation, game theory, heuristics, experiments

Suggested Citation

  • David L. Dickinson, 2018. "An exploratory study of how sleep restriction impacts choice in two classic normal form games," Working Papers 18-02, Department of Economics, Appalachian State University.
    • Handle: RePEc:apl:wpaper:18-02
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    File URL: http://econ.appstate.edu/RePEc/pdf/wp1802.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Dickinson, David L. & McElroy, Todd, 2017. "Sleep restriction and circadian effects on social decisions," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 97(C), pages 57-71.
    2. Erev, Ido & Roth, Alvin E, 1998. "Predicting How People Play Games: Reinforcement Learning in Experimental Games with Unique, Mixed Strategy Equilibria," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 88(4), pages 848-881, September.
    3. Marco Castillo & David L. Dickinson & Ragan Petrie, 2017. "Sleepiness, choice consistency, and risk preferences," Theory and Decision, Springer, vol. 82(1), pages 41-73, January.
    4. Michele Ferrara & Anna Bottasso & Daniela Tempesta & Marika Carrieri & Luigi De Gennaro & Giovanni Ponti, 2015. "Gender Differences in Sleep Deprivation Effects on Risk and Inequality Aversion: Evidence from an Economic Experiment," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 10(3), pages 1-15, March.
    5. Dickinson, David L. & McElroy, Todd, 2019. "Bayesian versus heuristic-based choice under sleep restriction and suboptimal times of day," Games and Economic Behavior, Elsevier, vol. 115(C), pages 48-59.
    6. Dickinson, David L. & Drummond, Sean P. A., 2008. "The effects of total sleep deprivation on bayesian updating," Judgment and Decision Making, Cambridge University Press, vol. 3(2), pages 181-190, February.
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • C92 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Group Behavior
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • C72 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Noncooperative Games

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