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Analyzing Frictions in Generalized Second-Price Auction Markets

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

We investigate the role of frictions in determining the efficiency and bidding behavior in a generalized second-price auction-the most preferred mechanism for sponsored-search advertisements. In particular, we take a twofold approach of Q-learning-based computational simulations in conjunction with human-subject experiments. We find that the lower valued advertisers (who do not win the auction) exhibit highly exploratory behavior. Moreover, we find the presence of market frictions moderates this phenomenon and results in higher allocative efficiency. These results have implications for policymakers and auction-platform managers in designing incentives for more efficient auctions.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1437-1454
Number of pages18
JournalInformation Systems Research
Volume34
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2023
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • auctions
  • generalized second-price auctions
  • human-subject experiments
  • machine learning
  • Q-learning
  • reinforcement learning

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Management Information Systems
  • Information Systems
  • Computer Networks and Communications
  • Information Systems and Management
  • Library and Information Sciences

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