Ebook: Behavioral game theory : experiments in strategic interaction

A fundamental introduction to modern game theory from a mathematical viewpointGame theory arises in almost every fact of human and inhuman interaction since oftentimes during these communications objectives are opposed or cooperation is viewed as an option. From economics and finance to biology and computer science, researchers and practitioners are often put in complex decision-making scenarios, whether they are interacting with each other or working with evolving technology and artificial intelligence. Acknowledging the role of mathematics in making logical and advantageous decisions, Game Theory: An Introduction uses modern software applications to create, analyze, and implement effective decision-making models.While most books on modern game theory are either too abstract or too applied, this book provides a balanced treatment of the subject that is both conceptual and hands-on. Game Theory introduces readers to the basic theories behind games and presents real-world examples from various fields of study such as economics, political science, military science, finance, biological science as well as general game playing. A unique feature of this book is the use of Maple to find the values and strategies of games, and in addition, it aids in the implementation of algorithms for the solution or visualization of game concepts. Maple is also utilized to facilitate a visual learning environment of game theory and acts as the primary tool for the calculation of complex non-cooperative and cooperative games.Important game theory topics are presented within the following five main areas of coverage:Two-person zero sum matrix gamesNonzero sum games and the reduction to nonlinear programmingCooperative games, including discussion of both the Nucleolus concept and the Shapley valueBargaining, including threat strategiesEvolutionary stable strategies and population gamesAlthough some mathematical competence is assumed, appendices are provided to act as a refresher of the basic concepts of linear algebra, probability, and statistics. Exercises are included at the end of each section along with algorithms for the solution of the games to help readers master the presented information. Also, explicit Maple and Mathematica® commands are included in the book and are available as worksheets via the book's related Web site. The use of this software allows readers to solve many more advanced and interesting games without spending time on the theory of linear and nonlinear programming or performing other complex calculations.With extensive examples illustrating game theory's wide range of relevance, this classroom-tested book is ideal for game theory courses in mathematics, engineering, operations research, computer science, and economics at the upper-undergraduate level. It is also an ideal companion for anyone who is interested in the applications of game theory Game theory, the formalized study of strategy, began in the 1940s by asking how emotionless geniuses should play games, but ignored until recently how average people with emotions and limited foresight actually play games. This book marks the first substantial and authoritative effort to close this gap. Colin Camerer, one of the field's leading figures, uses psychological principles and hundreds of experiments to develop mathematical theories of reciprocity, limited strategizing, and learning, which help predict what real people and companies do in strategic situations. Unifying a wealth of information from ongoing studies in strategic behavior, he takes the experimental science of behavioral economics a major step forward. He does so in lucid, friendly prose. Behavioral game theory has three ingredients that come clearly into focus in this book: mathematical theories of how moral obligation and vengeance affect the way people bargain and trust each other a theory of how limits in the brain constrain the number of steps of "I think he thinks . . ." reasoning people naturally do and a theory of how people learn from experience to make better strategic decisions. Strategic interactions that can be explained by behavioral game theory include bargaining, games of bluffing as in sports and poker, strikes, how conventions help coordinate a joint activity, price competition and patent races, and building up reputations for trustworthiness or ruthlessness in business or life. While there are many books on standard game theory that address the way ideally rational actors operate, Behavioral Game Theory stands alone in blending experimental evidence and psychology in a mathematical theory of normal strategic behavior. It is must reading for anyone who seeks a more complete understanding of strategic thinking, from professional economists to scholars and students of economics, management studies, psychology, political science, anthropology, and biology.  Read more... 1. Introduction -- 1.1. What is Game Theory Good For? -- 1.2. Three Examples -- 1.3. Experimental Regularity and Behavioral Game Theory -- App. A1.1. Basic Game Theory -- App. A1.2. Experimental Design -- 2. Dictator, Ultimatum, and Trust Games -- 2.1. Ultimatum and Dictator Games: Basic Results -- 2.2. Methodological Variables -- 2.3. Demographic Variables -- 2.4. Culture -- 2.5. Descriptive Variables: Labeling and Context -- 2.6. Structural Variables -- 2.7. Trust Games -- 2.8. Theory -- 3. Mixed-Strategy Equilibrium -- 3.1. Early Studies -- 3.2. Modern Studies -- 3.3. Subjective Randomization and Mixed Strategies -- 3.4. Explicit Randomization