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Free riding and norms of control: self determination and imposition. An experimental comparison

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  • Luigi Mittone
  • Francesca Bortolami

Abstract

This is an experiment on the effect of norm application in a public good game. We want to investigate whether a control norm affects the contribution level differently, only in relation to the way in which the norm is applied in the game. We compare the amount of public good provided in two different groups. In the first group (constituent group), experimental subjects create a control norm, and then they self-apply it in a basic public good game. In the second group (control group), the norm created by the constituent group is exogenously imposed. Experimental results show a significant difference between the two public good levels considered. Self determination implies a higher level of efficiency, as compared to the exogenous one.

Suggested Citation

  • Luigi Mittone & Francesca Bortolami, 2007. "Free riding and norms of control: self determination and imposition. An experimental comparison," CEEL Working Papers 0704, Cognitive and Experimental Economics Laboratory, Department of Economics, University of Trento, Italia.
    • Handle: RePEc:trn:utwpce:0704
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    File URL: http://www-ceel.economia.unitn.it/papers/papero07_04.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Róbert F. Veszteg & Erita Narhetali, 2010. "Public‐good games and the Balinese," International Journal of Social Economics, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 37(9), pages 660-675, August.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    public good games; free riding; norm of control; voluntary contribution;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • H41 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - Public Goods
    • C92 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Group Behavior

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