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Gender differences in equilibrium play and strategic sophistication variability

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  • Cubel, María
  • Sanchez-Pages, Santiago

Abstract

We investigate the existence of gender differences in strategic sophistication in two weakly dominance solvable games where a prize is at stake. The first one is the two-person beauty contest, where strategies are numbers and players must perform mathematical operations. The second is the novel “gaze coach game”, where strategies are photographs of the eye region and the two players must assign emotional states to these images. We observe that females follow equilibrium play less often in the former game but not in the latter. Males display greater strategic sophistication variability. As a result, females are underrepresented among top performers in both games.

Suggested Citation

  • Cubel, María & Sanchez-Pages, Santiago, 2022. "Gender differences in equilibrium play and strategic sophistication variability," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 194(C), pages 287-299.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeborg:v:194:y:2022:i:c:p:287-299
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2021.12.014
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    1. Nikiforakis, Nikos & Reuben, Ernesto & Stüber, Robert, 2024. "Normative conflict and the gender gap in cooperation," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 238(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Gender differences; Strategic sophistication; Competition; Gender bias; Variability;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C72 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Noncooperative Games
    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination

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