Incentives in Experiments: A Theoretical Analysis

S-Tier
Journal: Journal of Political Economy
Year: 2018
Volume: 126
Issue: 4
Pages: 1472 - 1503

Authors (3)

Yaron Azrieli (Ohio State University) Christopher P. Chambers (not in RePEc) Paul J. Healy (not in RePEc)

Score contribution per author:

2.681 = (α=2.01 / 3 authors) × 4.0x S-tier

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

Abstract

Experimental economists currently lack a convention for how to pay subjects in experiments with multiple tasks. We provide a theoretical framework for analyzing this question. Assuming statewise monotonicity and nothing else, we prove that paying for one randomly chosen problem--the random problem selection mechanism--is essentially the only incentive compatible mechanism. Paying for every period is similarly justified when we assume only a "no complementarities at the top" condition. To help experimenters decide which is appropriate for their particular experiment, we discuss empirical tests of these two assumptions.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:ucp:jpolec:doi:10.1086/698136
Journal Field
General
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-24