📚 Learning Guide
Nash Equilibrium in Game Theory
easy

In a competitive bidding scenario where two firms, Alpha and Beta, are bidding for a contract, Alpha decides to bid a low amount while Beta chooses to bid high. If Beta realizes that by changing their strategy to a low bid they could secure the contract, what does this imply about the Nash Equilibrium in this situation?

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Choose the Best Answer

A

Alpha's strategy is a Nash Equilibrium because they cannot benefit from changing their bid.

B

Beta's strategy is a Nash Equilibrium as they can improve their outcome by changing their bid.

C

There is no Nash Equilibrium because both firms can improve their bids.

D

The scenario describes a situation where both firms are equally likely to win regardless of their bids.

Understanding the Answer

Let's break down why this is correct

Answer

In this situation, a Nash Equilibrium occurs when neither firm can improve their outcome by changing their strategy, given the strategy of the other firm. Initially, Alpha bids low and wins, while Beta bids high and loses. However, if Beta discovers that by switching to a low bid they can win the contract, it indicates that the original strategies are not stable. This means that the situation is not a Nash Equilibrium because Beta has an incentive to change their bid. For example, if Alpha bids $100 and Beta bids $150, and Beta realizes they could win by bidding $90, both firms would need to adjust their strategies for a stable outcome.

Detailed Explanation

Alpha's low bid is stable. Other options are incorrect because This option suggests Beta is happy with their high bid; This option thinks both can improve.

Key Concepts

Nash Equilibrium
Competitive Strategy
Bidding Strategy
Topic

Nash Equilibrium in Game Theory

Difficulty

easy level question

Cognitive Level

understand

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