Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/127243 
Year of Publication: 
2005
Series/Report no.: 
Discussion Paper Series No. 423
Publisher: 
University of Heidelberg, Department of Economics, Heidelberg
Abstract: 
We use an experiment to explore how subjects learn to play against computers which are programmed to follow one of a number of standard learning algorithms. The learning theories are (unbeknown to subjects) a best response process, fictitious play, imitation, reinforcement learning, and a trial & error process. We test whether subjects try to influence those algorithms to their advantage in a forward-looking way (strategic teaching). We find that strategic teaching occurs frequently and that all learning algorithms are subject to exploitation with the notable exception of imitation. The experiment was conducted, both, on the internet and in the usual laboratory setting. We find some systematic differences, which however can be traced to the different incentives structures rather than the experimental environment.
Subjects: 
learning
fictitious play
imitation
reinforcement
trial & error
strategic teaching
Cournot duopoly
experiments
internet
JEL: 
C72
C91
C92
D43
L13
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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