Grouping

ConG allows for complex configurations and population games.

1. Every subject in ConG is assigned to a single group.
2. Subjects have a "matched" group.
3. The payoff function for a given subject uses as input:
   1. The strategy set of the subject's group.
   2. The strategy set of the "matched" group.

The computer will randomly assign groupings at the start of each period based on several config variables:

1. groupSize - If set, groups are formed with N = groupSize individuals in each group. Note that this requires the number of subjects be evenly divisible by groupSize (e.g. a groupSize of 4 supports 4, 8, 12, etc. subjects, and will fail with 11 subjects).
2. numGroups - As an alternative to groupSize one may choose a setting for numGroup. If set, N = numGroups are formed. For example, if 12 subjects are connected and N = 2, 2 groups of 6 subjects each will be created.
   • Important Note - groupSize & numGroups may NEVER be used in the same period definition row For an example of how to set-up the config file correctly.
3. matchType (either "self" or "pair").
   1. self - The "matched" group will be the same as the subject's group. This is used in (e.g.) a Public Goods game to have all subjects in a given group compete against the strategies (prices) in that group.
   2. pair - Matchings will be assigned in bi-directional pairs, for example group A matched with group B and group B matched with group A. This is used in (e.g.) the Hawk-Dove game to create 2 populations matched against each other.

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Pairs (E.g. Prisoner's Dilemma)

In the config

Below is an html table abstraction of the portion of your CSV config file needed for the following grouping.

...	groupSize	matchType	...
...	1	pair	...

Mathematically

The payoff for player 1 is a function of player 1's group strategy set and player 6's group strategy set.

Graphically

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Single population (E.g. Public Goods)

In the config

Below is an html table abstraction of the portion of your CSV config file needed for the following grouping.

...	numGroups	matchType	...
...	1	self	...

Mathematically

The payoff for player 1 is a function of player 1's group strategy set.

Graphically

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Two Population (E.g. Hawk-Dove)

In the config

Below is an html table abstraction of the portion of your CSV config file needed for the following grouping.

...	numGroups	matchType	...
...	2	pair	...

Mathematically

The payoff for player 1 is a function of 2 group strategy sets.

Graphically

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