Obviously Strategy-Proof Mechanisms
summary
Proposes obviously strategy-proof (OSP) as a stricter concept than weak dominance: a strategy is OSP if at any earliest divergence point the deviation’s best outcome ≤ the strategy’s worst outcome. Proves two characterizations: a behavioral one using agents who only distinguish games by their own experiences, and a mechanism one showing OSP equals implementability with bilateral commitments. Shows ascending clock auctions are OSP, second‑price sealed bids are not, and lab play rates are substantially higher under OSP mechanisms.
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