Preview |
PDF, English
Download (448kB) | Terms of use |
Abstract
Imitating the best strategy from the previous period has been shown to be an important heuristic, in particular in relatively complex environments. In this experiment we test whether subjects are more likely to use imitation if they are under stress. Subjects play a repeated Cournot oligopoly. Treatments are time pressure within the task and distractions through a second task (a Stroop-task) that has to be performed as well and influences payment. We measure stress levels through salivary cortisol measurements and through measuring the heart rate. Our main findings are that time pressure and distraction can indeed raise physiological stress levels of subjects within our task. More importantly from an economic perspective, we can also observe a corresponding behavioral change that is indicative of imitation.
Document type: | Working paper |
---|---|
Series Name: | Discussion Paper Series / University of Heidelberg, Department of Economics |
Volume: | 0556 |
Date Deposited: | 21 Mar 2014 14:32 |
Date: | March 2014 |
Number of Pages: | 22 |
Faculties / Institutes: | The Faculty of Economics and Social Studies > Alfred-Weber-Institut for Economics |
DDC-classification: | 330 Economics |
Uncontrolled Keywords: | stress, cortisol, heart rate, imitation, experiment. |
Series: | Discussion Paper Series / University of Heidelberg, Department of Economics |