What is a good book for studying incentives?

Question

I am looking for a book, which gives a broad overview of all the main theories regarding incentives. Using this book, I would like to further my understanding of things like:

Why slot machines keeps people motivated to play
Why extrinsic motivation is weaker than intrinsic motivation

Economical theories should at least contribute to the understanding of incentives.

score 6 · Accepted Answer · answered Oct 15 '11 at 15:21

6

I guess what you are looking for is readings on applied behavioral economics. Here is a popular favourite: Freakonomics

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answered Oct 15 '11 at 15:21

@David You might want follow it up with Superfreakonmics (http://www.amazon.com/Super-Freakonomics-Patriotic-Prostitutes-Insurance/dp/0060889578). Not in the same league, but same theme. – Apr 24 '12 at 12:59

score 5 · Answer 2 · answered Oct 15 '11 at 19:10

If you want to delve deeper into the topic, If Homo Economicus Could Choose His Own Utility Function, Would He Want One with a Conscience? is a seminal paper. Then, you can take a look at some of Bob Frank's other publications. Among them, I would recommend Passions Within Reason and Winner Take All Society.

score 5 · Answer 3 · answered Apr 21 '12 at 17:09

5

The aspects of incentives which you are interested in are studied by psychologists as well. I recommend Carol Dweck's work. One of her popular books is Mindset.

answered Apr 21 '12 at 17:09

Michael Bishop

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score 1 · Answer 4 · answered Oct 15 '11 at 18:47

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You could check out any of Dan Ariely's books. Those are generally good at providing a similar to Freakonomics-level handling of a variety of economic topics, especially behavioral ones.

answered Oct 15 '11 at 18:47

What is a good book for studying incentives?

4 Answers4