Can the decoy effect increase cooperation in networks? An experiment

Claudia Cerrone, Francesco Feri, Anita Gantner and Paolo Pin

Papers from arXiv.org

Abstract: This paper investigates whether the decoy effect - specifically the attraction effect - can foster cooperation in social networks. In a lab experiment, we show that introducing a dominated option increases the selection of the target choice, especially in early decisions. The effect is stronger in individual settings but persists in networks despite free-riding incentives, with variation depending on the decision-maker's strategic position.

Date: 2025-09, Revised 2025-10
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