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King of the Hill: Giving Backward Induction its Best Shot

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  • Martin Dufwenberg
  • Matt Van Essen

Abstract

We study a class of deceptively similar games, which however have different player sets and predictions that vary with their cardinality. The economic, biological, political, and psychological applications are many. The game-theoretic principles involved are compelling as predictions rely on weaker and less controversial epistemic foundations than needed to justify backward inductions more generally. Is the account empirically relevant? We design and report results from a relevant experiment.

Suggested Citation

  • Martin Dufwenberg & Matt Van Essen, 2016. "King of the Hill: Giving Backward Induction its Best Shot," CESifo Working Paper Series 6169, CESifo.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:ceswps:_6169
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    Cited by:

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    2. Neligh, Nathaniel, 2020. "Vying for dominance: An experiment in dynamic network formation," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 178(C), pages 719-739.
    3. Ralph‐C. Bayer, 2022. "The double dividend of relative auditing—Theory and experiments on corporate tax enforcement," Journal of Public Economic Theory, Association for Public Economic Theory, vol. 24(6), pages 1433-1462, December.
    4. Barreda-Tarrazona, Iván & Kundu, Tapas & Østbye, Stein, 2021. "On rational forward-looking behavior in economic geography: An experimental analysis," Regional Science and Urban Economics, Elsevier, vol. 87(C).
    5. Brown, Alexander L. & Van Essen, Matt, 2022. "Breaking-up should not be hard to do! Designing contracts to avoid wars of attrition," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 143(C).
    6. Asheim, Geir B. & Brunnschweiler, Thomas, 2023. "Epistemic foundation of the backward induction paradox," Games and Economic Behavior, Elsevier, vol. 141(C), pages 503-514.
    7. Bershadskyy, Dmitri & Sachs, Florian E. & Weimann, Joachim, 2023. "Collective bargaining in a shrinking group game: The role of information and communication," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 209(C), pages 391-410.
    8. Ralph-C. Bayer, 2017. "The Double Dividend of Relative Auditing – Theory and Experiments on Corporate Tax Enforcement," School of Economics and Public Policy Working Papers 2017-14, University of Adelaide, School of Economics and Public Policy.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    backward induction; interactive epistemology; player set cardinality; experiment;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C72 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Noncooperative Games
    • C92 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Group Behavior

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