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Multi-player, Multi-prize, Imperfectly Discriminating Contests

Author

Listed:
  • André de Palma

    (ENS Cachan - École normale supérieure - Cachan)

  • Soumyanetra Munshi

    (IIMB - Indian Institute of Management Bangalore)

Abstract

This paper models success probability in imperfectly discriminating contests involving multiple players and multiple prizes. This turns out to be a generalization of Tullock's contest success function to a multiplayer, multi-prize situation. The model can be used to analyse e orts exerted by individuals in various real-life situations, like obtaining seats in congested public transportation vehicles or obtaining admission into elite educational institutes. We propose a \holistic" probability model, derive the equilibrium e orts exerted, and analyse those e orts, the associated total costs and total dissipation, and also pricing and the optimal number of 'seats'. We also discuss extensions of the model.

Suggested Citation

  • André de Palma & Soumyanetra Munshi, 2012. "Multi-player, Multi-prize, Imperfectly Discriminating Contests," Working Papers hal-00683688, HAL.
  • Handle: RePEc:hal:wpaper:hal-00683688
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-00683688
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    References listed on IDEAS

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