FAIR Seminar Gaute Torsvik

FAIR-The Choice Lab invites you to a seminar with Gaute Torsvik, Professor at the Department of Economics, University of Oslo

Time: 14 December 2017 12:15 - 13:15
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Torsvik's info page aT UiO

Abstract:
Does reflection foster cooperation in social dilemmas? According to the Social Heuristics Hypothesis it does not; more thinking implies less cooperation. The empirical results, which often use time pressure to constrain thinking, are mixed. In this paper we combine a lab experiment with a re-analysis of previous studies to shed new light on the existing literature on reflection and cooperation. Our analysis suggests two main explanations for the mixed findings i) The effect of time pressure is contingent on payoff comprehension, which varies a lot across studies, ii) the true effect of time pressure is likely to be quite small, which means that individual studies are underpowered to detect an effect. Together, these two features can help account for the discrepancies in results reported in this literature.

Abstract:

Does reflection foster cooperation in social dilemmas? According to the Social Heuristics Hypothesis it does not; more thinking implies less cooperation. The empirical results, which often use time pressure to constrain thinking, are mixed. In this paper we combine a lab experiment with a re-analysis of previous studies to shed new light on the existing literature on reflection and cooperation. Our analysis suggests two main explanations for the mixed findings i) The effect of time pressure is contingent on payoff comprehension, which varies a lot across studies, ii) the true effect of time pressure is likely to be quite small, which means that individual studies are underpowered to detect an effect. Together, these two features can help account for the discrepancies in results reported in this literature.

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