Lecture

Mod-05 Lec-38 Backward Induction: Exercises

This module provides exercises focused on backward induction, offering students the opportunity to apply the concepts learned in previous discussions. Students will solve various problems, reinforcing their understanding of how backward induction works in different scenarios.

Topics covered include:

  • Practical exercises on backward induction
  • Real-world applications of backward reasoning
  • Discussion of common pitfalls and challenges

Through collaborative work and guidance, students will refine their skills in utilizing backward induction effectively in extensive games.


Course Lectures
  • This module introduces the fundamental concepts of game theory, focusing on its definition and the principles of rational choice. Students will explore:

    • The definition and significance of game theory in various fields.
    • The concept of rational choice and how it applies to decision-making processes.
    • The role of interacting decision-makers in strategic environments.

    Understanding these foundational elements is essential for delving deeper into strategic interactions and the dynamics of competitive behavior.

  • This module delves into the dynamics of interacting decision-makers in game theory. Students will learn about:

    • The importance of understanding different player strategies.
    • How choices of one participant can influence the decisions of others.
    • Examples and applications of interacting decisions in real-world scenarios.

    Through practical examples, the module highlights the significance of strategic thinking and foresight in competitive settings.

  • This module provides a comprehensive overview of strategic games and various examples that illustrate their principles. Students will examine:

    • Different types of strategic games.
    • Real-life applications of strategic games in various industries.
    • How strategic interactions form the basis of competitive behavior.

    By engaging with illustrative examples, learners will gain a practical understanding of the strategic elements at play in competitive scenarios.

  • This module introduces key concepts surrounding Nash equilibrium, including its importance in game theory. It includes:

    • The concept of Nash equilibrium and its foundational role in strategic decision-making.
    • Examples illustrating various Nash equilibria in different contexts.
    • Best response functions and their relevance to equilibrium analysis.
    • Dominated actions and their implications in strategic choices.

    Students will learn to identify and apply Nash equilibrium in various strategic environments.

  • This module explores various examples of Nash equilibrium, enhancing students' understanding of its practical applications. Key topics include:

    • Real-world scenarios illustrating Nash equilibrium.
    • Case studies such as Cournot’s and Bertrand’s models of duopoly markets.
    • Applications in electoral competition and auctions.

    By examining these scenarios, students will see how Nash equilibrium is used to predict outcomes in competitive situations.

  • This module introduces the concepts of altruism and the Prisoner's Dilemma as they relate to game theory. Students will explore:

    • The dynamics of cooperation and competition in the context of altruistic behavior.
    • How the Prisoner's Dilemma illustrates the challenges of mutual cooperation.
    • Real-world implications of these concepts in social and economic frameworks.

    By understanding these foundational dilemmas, students will appreciate the complexities of human interactions and strategy.

  • This module examines variants of the Stag Hunt game, along with the Hawk-Dove and Coordination games. Key points include:

    • Understanding the different outcomes in these games.
    • Analyzing the dynamics of cooperation and conflict in strategic scenarios.
    • Identifying the conditions that lead to successful coordination among players.

    Through comparative analysis, students will deepen their understanding of strategic interactions and their consequences.

  • This module discusses public good provision and the concept of strictly Nash equilibrium in the context of game theory. Topics covered include:

    • The challenges associated with public good provision.
    • Understanding strictly Nash equilibria and their significance.
    • Examples of public goods and their implications in society.

    Students will learn to analyze situations where individual contributions affect collective outcomes.

  • This module focuses on best response functions, a crucial aspect of game theory. Students will learn about:

    • The definition and significance of best response functions in strategic games.
    • How to compute best responses in various scenarios.
    • The role of best response functions in determining equilibria.

    By the end of this module, students will have a solid grasp of how to utilize best response functions to analyze strategic interactions.

  • This module covers strictly and weakly dominated actions, essential concepts in game theory. Key topics include:

    • The definitions and distinctions between strictly and weakly dominated actions.
    • Examples illustrating how these concepts affect strategic choices.
    • The implications of dominated actions in equilibrium analysis.

    Through practical examples, students will learn to identify dominated actions in various strategic contexts and their impact on players' decisions.

  • This module introduces the concept of game theory, focusing on the theory of rational choice and the interaction between decision-makers. Students will learn:

    • What game theory encompasses and its significance.
    • The principles behind rational decision-making.
    • How different players or entities make decisions that affect one another.

    This foundational knowledge is crucial for understanding more complex theories and applications in subsequent modules.

  • This module dives deeper into strategic games and the concept of Nash equilibrium. Key topics include:

    • The definition and examples of strategic games.
    • Understanding Nash equilibrium and its implications in various scenarios.
    • Best response functions and their significance in strategic decision-making.
    • Concepts of dominated actions and symmetric games.

    Students will engage in practical exercises to solidify their understanding of these essential concepts.

  • This module illustrates the application of Nash equilibrium through various practical scenarios. Students will explore:

    • Cournot’s model of duopoly markets and its implications.
    • Bertrand’s model and price competition.
    • Electoral competition as a game theoretic model.
    • Other scenarios including auctions and accident laws.

    By analyzing these examples, students will understand the real-world relevance of Nash equilibrium.

  • This module focuses on mixed strategy Nash equilibrium, where players randomize their strategies. Key learning points include:

    • The concept of mixed strategies in strategic games.
    • How mixed strategy Nash equilibrium differs from pure strategies.
    • Understanding the formation of players' beliefs and its impact.

    Students will engage in examples and exercises to grasp these concepts effectively.

  • This module introduces extensive games, which involve sequential moves rather than simultaneous actions. It covers:

    • The framework of extensive games and their representation.
    • Strategies and outcomes in extensive games.
    • The concept of subgame perfect Nash equilibrium and its significance.
    • Backward induction as a method for solving extensive games.

    Through examples, students will see how these concepts apply in various scenarios.

  • This module provides illustrations of extensive games and Nash equilibrium through practical case studies. Topics include:

    • The Stackelberg model of duopoly markets with sequential decision-making.
    • The ultimatum game and its implications in negotiation.

    Students will analyze these examples to understand the application of theoretical concepts in real-life scenarios.

  • This module focuses on the application of week domination in voting scenarios, where players might favor certain candidates or options. It covers:

    • The concept of week domination and its relevance in voting.
    • Examples illustrating how voting behavior can be analyzed through game theory.
    • Strategies to understand collective decision-making processes.

    Students will engage with practical exercises to solidify their comprehension.

  • This module explores different aspects of the Cournot model, focusing on how firms compete in quantity. It includes:

    • The foundational principles of the Cournot model.
    • How firms determine output levels in a duopoly setting.
    • Implications of the model in real-world market scenarios.

    Students will analyze case studies and examples to understand the nuances of the Cournot competition.

  • This module examines further aspects and variations of the Cournot model, providing a comprehensive understanding. Key points include:

    • Exploration of different market conditions affecting the Cournot model.
    • Comparative analysis with other market structures.
    • Case studies that highlight the applicability of Cournot principles.

    Students will engage with complex scenarios to enhance their analytical skills.

  • The "War of Attrition" lecture examines strategic interaction where players compete by enduring costs over time to win a prize. This module explores the dynamics of such contests, identifying the game’s equilibrium where players decide how long to fight. Students will analyze real-world scenarios like company price wars and political standoffs using mathematical models and strategic thinking. The course provides insight into decision-making processes and strategies to outlast opponents, focusing on maintaining competitive advantage through endurance.

  • The "Second Price Sealed Bid" module delves into auction theory, focusing on the unique characteristics of second-price auctions where the highest bidder wins but pays the second-highest bid. This session elucidates the incentive structures that drive bidder behavior, encouraging honest bidding. Students will explore theoretical underpinnings and practical applications in various settings, from art auctions to online platforms. The lecture also discusses strategic advantages and potential pitfalls, equipping participants with analytical tools to approach auctions strategically.

  • This module explores "Further Aspects of Second Price Auction," deepening understanding of its strategic implications and variations. Students will examine case studies and empirical data to assess how slight changes in auction rules can influence outcomes. The session also covers bidder psychology and strategic manipulations, offering comprehensive insights into the complexities of auction markets. Practical exercises will consolidate learning, helping participants apply theoretical knowledge to real-world auction scenarios, enhancing their strategic acumen.

  • The "First Price Auction" module introduces students to the dynamics where the highest bid wins and pays their bid amount. This lecture highlights the strategic considerations bidders must weigh, including risk assessment and bid shading. By analyzing mathematical models and real-world applications, students will learn tactics to maximize their payoff while minimizing costs. The session also covers economic implications and strategic interactions, providing a robust framework to understand and predict auction outcomes effectively.

  • In the "All Pay Auction, Multi Unit Auction" module, students explore auction formats where all bidders pay regardless of winning, and auctions involving multiple identical items. This session discusses strategic behavior, highlighting differences from traditional auctions. Participants will investigate economic theory and practical implications, learning how these auctions influence participant strategies and market dynamics. Through case studies and examples, students gain insights into the applicability of these auction types in fields like public goods and resource allocation.

  • Mod-03 Lec-26 Accident Laws
    Dr. Debarshi Das

    The "Accident Laws" module integrates legal and economic theory to analyze how game theory can explain and improve accident law efficiency. This lecture examines the strategic interactions involved in tort law, focusing on liability rules, risk distribution, and incentives for precautionary measures. Students will evaluate real-world legal systems, applying game-theoretic models to propose enhancements. The module provides an interdisciplinary approach, blending legal reasoning with economic strategy to foster a deeper understanding of accident law dynamics.

  • In "Mixed Strategy Nash Equilibrium: Introduction," students are introduced to situations where players randomize their strategies to achieve equilibrium. This module covers the fundamental concepts and motivations for using mixed strategies in games where no pure strategy equilibrium exists. Through examples and exercises, participants learn to calculate mixed strategy equilibria and understand their application in diverse strategic settings, including sports, business, and economics. The session lays the groundwork for more complex explorations of mixed strategies in subsequent lectures.

  • This module, "Mixed Strategy, Mixed Strategy Equilibrium," expands on the concepts introduced earlier by delving deeper into the formulation and analysis of mixed strategy equilibria. Students will study complex games involving randomization, learning to identify and interpret equilibria within these contexts. The lecture offers a blend of theoretical exploration and practical application, equipping students with advanced tools to tackle problems where strategic uncertainty and variability are key components of decision-making.

  • In "Mixed Strategy Equilibrium: Concept and Examples," the focus shifts to detailed analysis and interpretation of mixed strategy equilibria across various game scenarios. This module provides students with comprehensive examples, illustrating how these concepts apply in real-world situations such as market competition and conflict resolution. Participants will engage with exercises designed to reinforce their ability to identify and utilize mixed strategy equilibria effectively, enhancing their strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.

  • The "Characterisation of Mixed Strategy Equilibrium" module offers an in-depth exploration of the properties and implications of mixed strategy equilibria. Students will learn to characterize these equilibria using mathematical techniques, gaining insight into how player beliefs and payoffs influence strategic decisions. The session includes case studies from diverse fields, illustrating the multifaceted nature of mixed strategies and their relevance in economic modeling, negotiation, and competitive environments. Through analytical exercises, students refine their ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practical contexts.

  • This module provides a comprehensive introduction to the concept of dominated actions in game theory. Dominated actions are strategies that are inferior to other available strategies, leading players to eliminate them from consideration. Understanding this concept is crucial for simplifying strategic decision-making.

    Key topics include:

    • Definition of dominated actions
    • Iterated elimination process
    • Impact on Nash equilibrium

    Through examples and exercises, students will learn how to identify dominated strategies in various games, enhancing their analytical skills in strategic interactions.

  • This module delves into the concepts of rationality and beliefs within game theory contexts. Students will explore how rational beliefs influence player strategies and outcomes in games. A strong foundation in these concepts will help learners understand the decision-making processes of interacting agents.

    Key areas covered include:

    • Understanding rationality in game theory
    • The formation of beliefs among players
    • How beliefs affect strategic choices

    Through theoretical exploration and practical exercises, students will develop insights into the importance of rationality and beliefs in determining game outcomes.

  • This module introduces extensive games, a fundamental aspect of game theory that involves sequential decision-making. Students will learn about the key characteristics of extensive games and how they differ from strategic games. A focus will be placed on the representation of these games using game trees.

    Key topics include:

    • Definition and structure of extensive games
    • Game trees and their representation
    • The importance of sequence in decision-making

    Through examples and practical exercises, students will enhance their understanding of how extensive games function and the strategic considerations involved.

  • In this module, students will explore strategies and equilibrium within extensive games. The concepts of strategies, outcomes, and equilibria are vital for understanding how players interact in dynamic scenarios. The module emphasizes the development and analysis of strategies in response to opponents’ actions.

    Topics covered include:

    • Strategies in extensive games
    • Outcomes based on player strategies
    • Concept of Nash equilibrium in extensive settings

    Students will analyze various examples to grasp how equilibrium is achieved and the implications for strategic decision-making.

  • This module focuses on Nash equilibrium and the challenges associated with it in extensive games. Understanding Nash equilibrium is crucial for identifying stable outcomes where no player has an incentive to deviate from their strategy. The module will cover various scenarios that showcase the application of this concept.

    Key discussions will include:

    • Definition of Nash equilibrium
    • Common problems and inconsistencies
    • Applications in real-world situations

    Students will engage in analytical exercises to better understand the complexities of achieving and applying Nash equilibrium in diverse contexts.

  • This module introduces the concept of subgame perfect Nash equilibrium, an essential refinement of Nash equilibrium applicable to extensive games. It emphasizes the importance of credible strategies at every possible decision point within a game.

    Key elements include:

    • Definition of subgame perfect Nash equilibrium
    • Comparison to standard Nash equilibrium
    • Importance of backward induction

    Through interactive examples and exercises, students will learn how to identify and analyze subgame perfect equilibria, enhancing their strategic thinking skills.

  • This module covers backward induction, a powerful technique used to solve extensive games by analyzing decisions from the end of the game backward to the beginning. This method helps in identifying optimal strategies and predicting player behavior.

    Key topics discussed include:

    • Definition and process of backward induction
    • Application in extensive games
    • Benefits of backward reasoning in strategic decision-making

    Students will engage in practical exercises to practice backward induction, enhancing their problem-solving skills in complex game scenarios.

  • This module provides exercises focused on backward induction, offering students the opportunity to apply the concepts learned in previous discussions. Students will solve various problems, reinforcing their understanding of how backward induction works in different scenarios.

    Topics covered include:

    • Practical exercises on backward induction
    • Real-world applications of backward reasoning
    • Discussion of common pitfalls and challenges

    Through collaborative work and guidance, students will refine their skills in utilizing backward induction effectively in extensive games.

  • Mod-06 Lec-39 Ultimatum Game
    Dr. Debarshi Das

    This module explores the Ultimatum Game, a significant example in game theory that illustrates concepts of fairness, negotiation, and decision-making. Students will analyze how players make offers and respond to them, focusing on the underlying psychological and economic principles.

    Key discussions will include:

    • Structure of the Ultimatum Game
    • Strategies employed by players
    • Implications for economic and social behavior

    Students will engage in simulations and discussions to better understand the dynamics at play in the Ultimatum Game and its relevance in real-world contexts.

  • This module examines the Stackelberg model of duopoly markets, a foundational concept in industrial organization that demonstrates how firms can achieve competitive advantage through leadership and follower dynamics. Students will learn about the strategic interactions between leading and lagging firms in a market.

    Key topics include:

    • Overview of the Stackelberg model
    • Strategic behavior of leaders and followers
    • Impacts on market outcomes and pricing

    Through case studies and practical applications, students will understand how the Stackelberg model informs real-world business strategies in competitive environments.