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Testing Isomorphic Invariance Across Social Dilemma Games

Author

Listed:
  • Irene Maria Buso

    (Department of Economics, Ca' Foscari University of Venice)

  • Lorenzo Ferrari

    (Italian Competition Authority)

  • Werner Güth

    (Max Planck Institute for Research on Collective Goods)

  • Luisa Lorè

    (Department of Economics, Universität Innsbruck)

  • Lorenzo Spadoni

    (Department of Economics and Law, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio)

Abstract

In this study, we test whether purely behavioral aspects affect voluntary cooperativeness in Prisoner's Dilemma and Public Good Games, thereby questioning their isomorphic invariance. The experiment compares games whose identical payoffs are described as of the Prisoners' Dilemma or as of linear Public Good. Social dilemma frames are compared between subjects whereas 2- or 3-person games are compared within subjects. We either confront participants with the 2-person before the 3-person game or in reverse order, always without feedback information between rounds. The analysis rejects isomorphic invariance and shows less average cooperativeness, especially more likely free riding, in the case of the Public Good type.

Suggested Citation

  • Irene Maria Buso & Lorenzo Ferrari & Werner Güth & Luisa Lorè & Lorenzo Spadoni, 2023. "Testing Isomorphic Invariance Across Social Dilemma Games," Working Papers 2023:09, Department of Economics, University of Venice "Ca' Foscari".
    • Handle: RePEc:ven:wpaper:2023:09
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Social dilemma experiments; Isomorphic invariance; Public goods game; Prisoners' dilemma game; Voluntary cooperation.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C71 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Cooperative Games
    • C92 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Group Behavior
    • D70 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - General
    • D90 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - General

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