Abstract/Index

We run a computerised experiment of network formation, where all connections are beneficial and only direct links are costly. The game-theoretic basis for the experiment is the model of Goyal and Joshi (2004)where players simultaneously submit link proposals and a connection is made only when both players involved agree. We provide an analysis both at the macro and the micro level. From a macro perspective, in accordance with the exsisting literature, we find that convergence to the stable network architecture is made problematic by the presence of multi- ple equilibria. At the level of the individual, we estimate the probability of a link through a probit model that includes both best-response and behavioural variables. We find strong evidence that both play a role in network formation.