The Commons: An Experimental Examination of Individual Behavior

Abstract

"A large and rich body of literature has evolved around the concept of the social dilemma. In particular, social dilemma literature has focused on the problem of individual incentive incompatibilities. This problem arises when the incentives of a free and competitive market induce rational individuals to make choices that lead to socially sub-optimal outcomes. An environment which commonly induces incentive incompatibilities is the one in which individuals have open access to a common pool resource. Ocean fisheries are considered a prime example of such environments."