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Secret and publicly observable contribution intentions in a public goods experiment

Author

Listed:
  • Werner Gueth

    (Max Planck Institute of Economics)

  • Anastasios Koukoumelis

    (Department of Economics (University of Verona))

  • Maria Vittoria Levati

    (Department of Economics (University of Verona))

  • Vincenzo Prete

    (Department of Economics (University of Verona))

Abstract

In a public goods experiment, subjects can vary, over a period of stochastic length, two contribution levels: one is publicly observable (their cheap talk stated intention), while the other is not seen by the other subjects (their secret intention). When the period suddenly stops, participants are restricted to choose as actual contribution either current alternative. Based on the two types of choice data for a partners and a perfect strangers condition, we confirm that final outcomes strongly depend on the matching protocol. As to choice dynamics, we find that they are affected by player types.

Suggested Citation

  • Werner Gueth & Anastasios Koukoumelis & Maria Vittoria Levati & Vincenzo Prete, 2019. "Secret and publicly observable contribution intentions in a public goods experiment," Working Papers 07/2019, University of Verona, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:ver:wpaper:07/2019
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Public goods game; Cheap talk communication; Real-time protocol;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C72 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Noncooperative Games
    • H41 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - Public Goods
    • D82 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Asymmetric and Private Information; Mechanism Design
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness

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