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Behavioural types in public goods games: A re-analysis by hierarchical clutering

Author

Listed:
  • Francesco Fallucchi

    (University of East Anglia)

  • R. Andrew Luccasen

    (Mississippi University for Women)

  • Theodore L. Turocy

    (University of East Anglia)

Abstract

We re-analyse participant behaviour in standard economics experiments studying voluntary contributions to a public good. Previous approaches were based in part on a priori models of decision-making, such as maximising personal earnings, or reciprocating the behaviour of others. Many participants however do not conform to one of these models exactly, requiring ad hoc adjustments to the theoretical baselines to identify them as belonging to a given behavioural type. We construct a typology of behaviour based on a similarity measure between strategies using hierarchical clustering analysis. We identify four clearly distinct behavioural types which together account for over 90% of participants in six experimental studies. The resulting type classification distinguishes behaviour across groups more consistently than previous approaches.

Suggested Citation

  • Francesco Fallucchi & R. Andrew Luccasen & Theodore L. Turocy, 2017. "Behavioural types in public goods games: A re-analysis by hierarchical clutering," Working Paper series, University of East Anglia, Centre for Behavioural and Experimental Social Science (CBESS) 17-01R, School of Economics, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK..
    • Handle: RePEc:uea:wcbess:17-01r
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Cited by:

    1. R. Andrew Luccasen & M. Kathleen Thomas & Philip J. Grossman, 2017. "Giving to poverty relief charities: the impact of beliefs and misperceptions toward income redistribution in a real donation experiment," Social Choice and Welfare, Springer;The Society for Social Choice and Welfare, vol. 49(2), pages 387-409, August.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    behavioural types; cluster analysis; cooperation; public goods;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C65 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Mathematical Methods; Programming Models; Mathematical and Simulation Modeling - - - Miscellaneous Mathematical Tools
    • C71 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Cooperative Games
    • H41 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - Public Goods

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