Experiments on asset markets & decision making: The role of information and time

This dissertation applies experimental methods to answer a number of questions in economics. Chapter 2 studies whether mispricing in an asset market can be mitigated by introducing a futures market and how trading behaviors in these markets relate to individuals’ cognitive ability. Chapter 3 answers why financial contagions are widely observed even among markets with little fundamental correlations. Chapter 4 concerns risky financial decision-making under time pressure. A set of personal traits relates to the ability to perform well under time pressure are explored. Chapter 5 examines whether the provision of social information regarding other agents’ behavior affects the trade-off between selfishness and generosity.