Large Scale Experiments on Networks: A New Platform with Applications

Syngjoo Choi, Sanjeev Goyal and Frederic Moisan ()

Cambridge Working Papers in Economics from Faculty of Economics, University of Cambridge

Abstract: This paper presents a new platform for large scale networks experiments in continuous time. The versatility of the platform is illustrated through three experiments: a game of linking, a linking game with public goods, and a linking game with trading and intermediation. Group size ranges from 8 to 100 subjects. These experiments reveal that subjects create sparse networks that are almost always highly efficient. In some experiments the networks are centralized and unequal, while in others they are dispersed and equal. These network structures are in line with theoretical predictions, suggesting that continuous time asynchronous choice facilitates a good match between experimental outcomes and theory. The size of the group has powerful effects on individual investments in linking and effort, on network structure, and on the nature of payoff inequality. Researchers should therefore exercise caution in drawing inferences about behaviour in large scale networks based on data from small group experiments.

JEL-codes: C92 D83 D85 Z13 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020-07-15
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-cdm, nep-exp, nep-gth and nep-net
Note: sg472, fm442
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:cam:camdae:2063

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