Introduction to the Handbook of Experimental Game Theory

The effect of experimentation in economics goes well beyond testing propositions. In Vernon Smith’s words: “Experimentation changes the way you think about economics.” Experimentation creates a paradigm shift influencing the way we represent concepts and propositions in game theory underscoring their testability. This Handbook sees experimentation as an important complement to game theoretic formulations. The Handbook is a useful companion book to conventional upper-level game theory textbooks. It provides non-specialists with a critical review of work completed to date and it can help specialists set an agenda for future research. Thus, the Handbook will help those looking to gain a broader understanding of experimental game theory and those looking for ideas to contribute to its advancement. The Handbook is divided into three main sections: methodological considerations, games of complete information, games of incomplete information. Each section includes chapters that offer new directions of research in experimental game theory.