From the lab to the field: Cooperation among fishermen
Stoop,J.T.R. Noussair,C.N. van Soest,D.P.
Stoop,J.T.R.
Noussair,C.N.
van Soest,D.P.
Abstract
We conduct a field experiment to measure cooperation among groups of recreational fishermen at a privately owned fishing facility. Group earnings are greater when group members catch fewer fish. Consistent with classical economic theory, though in contrast to prior results laboratory experiments, we find no cooperation. A series of additional treatments identifies causes of the difference. We rule out the subject pool and the laboratory setting as potential causes and identify the type of activity involved as the source of the lack of cooperation in our field experiment. When cooperation requires reducing fishing effort, individuals are not cooperative.
Description
Date
2012
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Research Projects
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Journal Issue
Keywords
SDG 14 - Life Below Water
Citation
Stoop, J T R, Noussair, C N & van Soest, D P 2012, 'From the lab to the field : Cooperation among fishermen', Journal of Political Economy, vol. 120, no. 6, pp. 1027-1056.