Z-Tree Unleashed: A Novel Client-Integrating Architecture for Conducting Z-Tree Experiments Over the Internet

17 Pages Posted: 23 Apr 2020 Last revised: 28 May 2020

See all articles by Matthias Duch

Matthias Duch

University of Cologne

Max R. P. Grossmann

University of Cologne

Thomas Lauer

University of Cologne; University of Erfurt

Date Written: March 30, 2020

Abstract

We present z-Tree unleashed, a novel approach and set of scripts to aid the implementation of experimental economics laboratory experiments outside of the laboratory. z-Tree unleashed enables subjects to join the experiment using a web portal that requires no additional software. Experimenters are likewise enabled to administer their experiments from anywhere in the world. Except for the experimental software itself, z-Tree unleashed is entirely based on free and open source software. In this paper, we firstly outline the motivation. Secondly, we give a high-level overview of z-Tree unleashed’s advantages and its design. We then proceed to show how to set up the server and demonstrate the steps required for conducting an entire experiment. We subsequently explain how to leverage the security and routing features of a virtual private network with z-Tree unleashed, enabling servers to securely run behind routers.

Keywords: Z-Tree, Online Experiments

JEL Classification: C81, C88, C90, C99

Suggested Citation

Duch, Matthias and Grossmann, Max R. P. and Lauer, Thomas, Z-Tree Unleashed: A Novel Client-Integrating Architecture for Conducting Z-Tree Experiments Over the Internet (March 30, 2020). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3564274 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3564274

Matthias Duch

University of Cologne

Albertus-Magnus-Platz
Cologne, 50923
Germany

Max R. P. Grossmann (Contact Author)

University of Cologne

Albertus-Magnus-Platz
Cologne, 50923
Germany

Thomas Lauer

University of Cologne ( email )

Albertus-Magnus-Platz
Cologne, 50923
Germany

University of Erfurt ( email )

Internationales Buro
Nordhaeuser Str. 63
D - 99089 Erfurt
Germany
99089 (Fax)

Do you have a job opening that you would like to promote on SSRN?

Paper statistics

Downloads
113
Abstract Views
1,033
Rank
626,371
PlumX Metrics