Q-based Equilibria

In dynamic environments, Q-learning is an adaptative rule that provides an estimate (a Q-value) of the continuation value associated with each alternative. A naive policy consists in always choosing the alternative with highest Q-value. We consider a family of Q-based policy rules that may systematically favor some alternatives over others, for example rules that incorporate a leniency bias that favors cooperation. In the spirit of Compte and Postlewaite (2018), we look for equilibrium biases (or Qb-equilibria) within this family of Q-based rules. We examine classic games under various monitoring technologies