framework. We test the model’s predictions in a laboratory experiment. Both in theory and in the experiment diagnostic … uncertainty decreases the rate of efficient service provision and leads to less trade. In theory, insurance also decreases the … net effect on welfare. In the experiment, the net effect of insurance coverage on efficiency turns out to be positive. We …

In this paper we use an experiment to compare a theory of risk aversion and a theory of spite as an explanation for … overbidding in auctions. As a workhorse we use the second-price all-pay and the first-price winner-pay auction. Both risk and … spite can be used to rationalize deviations from risk neutral equilibrium bids in auctions. We exploit that equilibrium …