“When in Rome”: Identifying social norms using coordination games

Abstract Previous research in economics, social psychology, and sociology has produced compelling evidence that norms influence behavior. In this paper we apply the Krupka Weber (2013) norm elicitation procedure present U.S. non-U.S. born subjects with two scenarios for which tipping punctuality are known to vary across countries. We elicit shared beliefs by having match appropriateness ratings of different actions (such as arriving late or on time) another randomly selected participant from same university a who is country. also personal without matching task. test whether responses coordination task can be interpreted comparing game actual (as identified using independent materials such guides travelers). compare elicited tasks those device itself essential identifying norms. find reference group Further, obtained manner consistent group. Thus, correspond more closely externally validated compared beliefs. Second, highlight importance groups (for task) play.