Measure and Characterization of the Attention to the Other in Strategic Interactions: The Contribution of the Experimental Economy

Stéphane Robin

Table of Contents

Abstract

In some contexts, the actual behaviors of individuals can appear as aberrant with rational agent-based theories. Behavioral theory tries to explain these anomalies, especially with respect to social preferences. The purpose of this paper is to show how experimental economics has provided an accurate measure and further characterization of these preferences. Based on a very selective review of experiments, we show how a fruitful dialogue has been established between behavior analysis in the laboratory and in theory.

Keywords

  • social preference
  • fairness
  • ultimatum game
  • behavioral economics
  • experimental economics