Download This PaperCooperation in Symmetric and Asymmetric Prisoner's Dilemma Games
39 Pages Posted: 7 Mar 2007
Date Written: 3/2007
Abstract
We experimentally study the effect of asymmetry on cooperation in a 40 period prisoner's dilemma game in fixed partner design. We distinguish between a high and low payoff symmetric prisoner's dilemma and an asymmetric game combined out of both symmetric ones. Asymmetry significantly decreases cooperation, as low-type players are more likely to defect after mutual cooperation while high-type players initiate cooperation more often than the former. Asymmetry also has a significant negative effect on the stability of cooperation rendering long sequences of mutual cooperation extremely rare.
Keywords: Symmetry, Asymmetry, Prisoner's Dilemma, Experiments
JEL Classification: C81, D70, C91
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
Martin Beckenkamp (Contact Author)
Max Planck Institute for Research on Collective Goods ( email )
Kurt-Schumacher-Str. 10
D-53113 Bonn, DE
Germany
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