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Selfish-biased conditional cooperation: On the decline of contributions in repeated public goods experiments

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  • Neugebauer, Tibor
  • Perote, Javier
  • Schmidt, Ulrich
  • Loos, Malte

Abstract

In the recent literature, several hypotheses have been put forward in order to explain the decline of contributions in repeated public good games. We present results of an experiment which allows to evaluate these hypotheses. The main characteristics of our experimental design are a variation of information feedback and an elicitation of individual beliefs about others' contributions. Altogether, our data support the hypothesis of conditional cooperation with a selfish bias.

Suggested Citation

  • Neugebauer, Tibor & Perote, Javier & Schmidt, Ulrich & Loos, Malte, 2007. "Selfish-biased conditional cooperation: On the decline of contributions in repeated public goods experiments," Kiel Working Papers 1376, Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel).
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:ifwkwp:1376
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Information feedback; Public goods; Voluntary contributions; Conditional cooperation; Experimental economics;
    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
    • H41 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - Public Goods

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