Cheating in markets: A laboratory experiment

B-Tier
Journal: Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization
Year: 2009
Volume: 72
Issue: 1
Pages: 240-259

Score contribution per author:

0.670 = (α=2.01 / 3 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

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

Abstract

We develop a two-market model under three conditions: autarky, frictionless free trade, and free trade with cheating. With cheating, buyers can underpay by [pi]% in cross-market trades and sellers can deliver [pi]% of full value. We solve for competitive equilibrium with cheating and obtain novel testable predictions on price, volume and surplus. We test these in a laboratory experiment using parameters intended to challenge the theory. The results are generally consistent with competitive equilibrium. We find evidence of price unification, market segmentation, a cross-market volume of trade lower under cheating than in frictionless free trade, but a higher overall volume.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:eee:jeborg:v:72:y:2009:i:1:p:240-259
Journal Field
Theory
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-25