OSA: One-Sided Auction Experiment Software

The One-Sided Auctions (OSA) software is designed to test bidding behavior and seller revenue under different auction mechanisms.  Features in this section describe a step by step process of setting up an auction configuration, show screen shots of what the subject sees, and instruct the user how to download and review the results of an experiment.

The OSA software supports the following auction institutions:

• Dutch Auction - A Dutch auction, often referred to as a clock auction, is a descending-price auction.
• English Auction - An English auction is an ascending-price auction.  This auction is similar to eBay and oral auctions.
• First-Price Auction - A first-price sealed bid auction involves the simultaneous submission of a single bid by each bidder. The highest bidder wins the auction and pays the price they bid.
• Second-Price Auction - A second-price sealed bid auction involves the simultaneous submission of a single bid by each bidder. The highest bidder wins the auction and pays the price bid by the second highest bidder.  

Software requirements:
The OSA Software requires Java. Please visit www.java.com to verify that your computer supports Java and/or to freely install Java on your computer.

Using the OSA Software

If you are new to the site, or if you are looking for information on how to run an experiment on Econport, please take a moment and read about how to use this experiment system: How to Create an Experiment on EconPort.

Setting up an OSA Experiment

Click this link to look at the general procedures for setting up an OSA experiment.  These procedures can be used to set up Dutch, English, First-Price, and Second-Price Auctions.

Running an OSA Experiment

Click this link to see sample server and subject screen shots of which you will see while your experiment is running. 

Viewing the Results

Click this link to see sample  screens shots of what you will see when you are viewing the results of the experiment.

Related Content

Get more information about Auctions from the Handbook:  Click Auctions.