One Step at a Time: Does Gradualism Build Coordination?
通过实验室实验，研究渐进提高贡献要求（而非立即要求高贡献）能否帮助群体在弱链接协调博弈中成功实现高水平的协调，发现渐进主义显著提升协调成功率。
This study investigates a potential mechanism to promote coordination. With theoretical guidance using a belief-based learning model, we conduct a multiperiod, binary-choice, and weakest-link laboratory coordination experiment to study the effect of gradualism—increasing the required levels (stakes) of contributions slowly over time rather than requiring a high level of contribution immediately—on group coordination performance. We randomly assign subjects to three treatments: starting and continuing at a high stake, starting at a low stake but jumping to a high stake after a few periods, and starting at a low stake while gradually increasing the stakes over time (the Gradualism treatment). We find that relative to the other two treatments, groups coordinate most successfully at high stakes in the Gradualism treatment. We also find evidence that supports the belief-based learning model. These findings point to a simple mechanism for promoting successful voluntary coordination. This paper was accepted by Axel Ockenfels, behavioral analysis.