Confusion and reinforcement learning in experimental public goods games (original) (raw)

Abstract

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This paper investigates the role of confusion in public goods games, focusing on how misunderstanding of the experimental tasks affects decision-making in repeated rounds. It contrasts the typical interpretative frameworks - strategic behavior and learning - with an emphasis on 'ignorant' confusion where participants lack awareness of both the incentive structures and peers’ past contributions. By introducing a specific experimental treatment designed to mimic this lack of information, the research aims to clarify the thus-far ambiguous relationship between confusion and simulated cooperation in public goods provision.

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