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The behavioral validity of the strategy method in public good experiments

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  • Fischbacher, Urs
  • Gächter, Simon
  • Quercia, Simone

Abstract

We compare the strategy method and the direct response method in public good experiments in a within-subject design. This comparison is interesting because the strategy method is frequently used to investigate preference heterogeneity. We find that people identified by the strategy method as conditional cooperators also behave as conditional cooperators under the direct response method. Free-rider types contribute systematically less than all others. Overall, our results support the behavioral validity of the strategy method in public good experiments.

Suggested Citation

  • Fischbacher, Urs & Gächter, Simon & Quercia, Simone, 2012. "The behavioral validity of the strategy method in public good experiments," Journal of Economic Psychology, Elsevier, vol. 33(4), pages 897-913.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:joepsy:v:33:y:2012:i:4:p:897-913
    DOI: 10.1016/j.joep.2012.04.002
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Public goods experiments; Strategy method; Direct response method; Experimental methodology; Voluntary cooperation; Conditional cooperators; Free riders;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • C72 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Noncooperative Games

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