Acquisition of Network System for the Experimental Analysis of Economic Behavior

匹兹堡大学的经济学家在新兴的实验经济学领域发挥着重要作用。实验将参与者置于精心设计的市场环境中，提供真实的经济激励，并允许受试者通过计算机网络进行互动。这样的研究可以直接观察人类的动机和实际行为，从而将其纳入理论模型。为了有效地进行，这样的研究需要最新的计算机网络。匹兹堡经济部门目前使用的系统是围绕两个Novell网络文件服务器配置的，不幸的是，这个系统太旧了，不再适合用于实验目的。在国家科学基金会的支持下，该系统将得到升级。采购将包括PittNet以太网端口，31个Gateway 2000工作站，以及相关的硬件和软件。新系统的安装将为网络建立一个“星形”配置，为每个网络设备提供通往网络集线器的专用电缆。研究重点包括博弈学习、竞标者要求多单位的拍卖行为、公共物品交换和产业组织理论。该仪器将在培养研究生和开发通用软件方面发挥重要的基础作用。

Economists at the University of Pittsburgh play a major role in the newly developing area of experimental economics. Experiments place participants in carefully designed market situations, provide real financial incentives and allow subjects to interact via a computer network. Such research allows human motivation and actual behavior to be directly observed and thus factored into theoretical models. To proceed effectively, such research requires up to date computer networks. The current system employed by the Pittsburgh Economics Department is configured around two Novell Netware network file servers and is, unfortunately, old and no longer adequate for experimental purposes. With NSF support the system will be upgraded. Purchases will include PittNet Ethernet Ports, 31 Gateway 2000 workstations, and related hard and software. Installation of the new system wille stablish a `star` configuration for the network, providing each network device with a dedicated cable run to the network hub. Areas of research focus include learning in games, behavior in auctions where bidders demand multiple-units, public goods exchange and industrial organization theory. The instrumentation will have a major infrastructural effect in the training of graduate students and the development of software of general use.