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The Trust Game: A Historical and Methodological Analysis at the Frontier of Experimental and Behavioral Economics

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  • Nicolas Camilotto

    (Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, GREDEG, France)

Abstract

This paper provides a life-cycle analysis of the Trust Game, using its trajectory as a lens to clarify the boundaries between experimental and behavioral economics. We first trace its 1995 creation by Berg et al. as a challenge to calculative trust paradigms. A bibliometric study then maps its diffusion, revealing two divergent paths in economics: one, rooted in experimental economics, prioritizes measurement; the other, in behavioral economics, theory-testing. These paths differ in methods and validity standards, constituting an epistemic divide that illuminates the fields’ evolving relationship.

Suggested Citation

  • Nicolas Camilotto, 2026. "The Trust Game: A Historical and Methodological Analysis at the Frontier of Experimental and Behavioral Economics," GREDEG Working Papers 2026-11, Groupe de REcherche en Droit, Economie, Gestion (GREDEG CNRS), Université Côte d'Azur, France.
    • Handle: RePEc:gre:wpaper:2026-11
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    JEL classification:

    • B2 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought since 1925
    • B4 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - Economic Methodology
    • C9 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments

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