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Testing isomorphic invariance across social dilemma games

Author

Listed:
  • Buso, Irene Maria
  • Ferrari, Lorenzo
  • Güth, Werner
  • Lorè, Luisa
  • Spadoni, Lorenzo

Abstract

Can purely behavioral aspects affect voluntary cooperativeness in isomorphic social dilemma games? We experimentally test isomorphic invariance by comparing frames whose identical payoffs are described as of the Prisoners’ Dilemma or the linear Public Good. Participants play two consecutive rounds of the same frame, with no between-round feedback information, interacting with either the same or a different number of other subjects in each round. Hence, frames are compared between subjects whereas games with different numerosity are compared both within subjects and between subjects. Our analysis rejects isomorphic invariance and shows significantly lower average cooperativeness in the linear Public Good frame across all conditions. Moreover, we find a significantly negative effect of group size, especially in Prisoners’ Dilemma.

Suggested Citation

  • Buso, Irene Maria & Ferrari, Lorenzo & Güth, Werner & Lorè, Luisa & Spadoni, Lorenzo, 2024. "Testing isomorphic invariance across social dilemma games," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 223(C), pages 1-20.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeborg:v:223:y:2024:i:c:p:1-20
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2024.04.024
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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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