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Integrating Machine Behavior into Human Subject Experiments: A User-Friendly Toolkit and Illustrations

Author

Listed:
  • Christoph Engel

    (Max Planck Institute for Research on Collective Goods, Bonn & University of Bonn)

  • Max R. P. Grossmann

    (University of Cologne)

  • Axel Ockenfels

    (University of Cologne & Max Planck Institute for Research on Collective Goods, Bonn)

Abstract

Large Language Models (LLMs) have the potential to profoundly transform and enrich experimental economic research. We propose a new software framework, “alter_ego”, which makes it easy to design experiments between LLMs and to integrate LLMs into oTreebased experiments with human subjects. Our toolkit is freely available at github.com/mrpg/ego. To illustrate, we run differently framed prisoner’s dilemmas with interacting machines as well as with humanmachine interaction. Framing effects in machine-only treatments are strong and similar to those expected from previous human-only experiments, yet less pronounced and qualitatively different if machines interact with human participants.

Suggested Citation

  • Christoph Engel & Max R. P. Grossmann & Axel Ockenfels, 2024. "Integrating Machine Behavior into Human Subject Experiments: A User-Friendly Toolkit and Illustrations," ECONtribute Discussion Papers Series 302, University of Bonn and University of Cologne, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:ajk:ajkdps:302
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Software for experiments; large language models; humanmachine interaction; framing;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • C92 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Group Behavior
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • L86 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Information and Internet Services; Computer Software

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