M Equilibrium: A Theory of Beliefs and Choices in Games

S-Tier
Journal: American Economic Review
Year: 2021
Volume: 111
Issue: 12
Pages: 4002-45

Authors (2)

Jacob K. Goeree (not in RePEc) Philippos Louis (University of Cyprus)

Score contribution per author:

4.022 = (α=2.01 / 2 authors) × 4.0x S-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

We introduce a set-valued solution concept, M equilibrium, to capture empirical regularities from over half a century of game theory experiments. We show M equilibrium serves as a meta theory for various models that hitherto were considered unrelated. M equilibrium is empirically robust and, despite being set-valued, falsifiable. Results from a series of experiments that compare M equilibrium to leading behavioral game theory models demonstrate its virtues in predicting observed choices and stated beliefs. Data from experimental games with a unique pure-strategy Nash equilibrium and multiple M equilibria exhibit coordination problems that could not be anticipated through the lens of existing models.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:aea:aecrev:v:111:y:2021:i:12:p:4002-45
Journal Field
General
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-25