Testing the TASP: An experimental investigation of learning in games with unstable equilibria

A-Tier
Journal: Journal of Economic Theory
Year: 2010
Volume: 145
Issue: 6
Pages: 2309-2331

Score contribution per author:

1.341 = (α=2.01 / 3 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

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

Abstract

We report experiments studying mixed strategy Nash equilibria that are theoretically stable or unstable under learning. The Time Average Shapley Polygon (TASP) predicts behavior in the unstable case. We study two versions of Rock-Paper-Scissors that include a fourth strategy, Dumb. The unique Nash equilibrium is identical in the two games, but the predicted frequency of Dumb is much higher in the game where the NE is stable. Consistent with TASP, the observed frequency of Dumb is lower and play is further from Nash in the high payoff unstable treatment. However, Dumb is played too frequently in all treatments.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:eee:jetheo:v:145:y:2010:i:6:p:2309-2331
Journal Field
Theory
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-25