18th Annual Student Research Conference
Social Science
Evaluating Cooperative Behavior through a Web-based Interface: A Social Dilemma Game
James R. Harrington
Dr. Mark Hatala, Faculty Mentor
This experiment (60 undergraduates; 43 females, 17 males) assessed the differences between web-based and conventional, pencil & paper methods by implementing a seven-choice prisoner’s dilemma game to evaluate competitive behavior in both conditions. In addition, the study examined the effect that gender had on competitiveness in the two different interfaces. The results showed no significant difference between the web-based interfaces and pencil & paper methods; however, competitive conflict behavior by the simulated opponent (computer) elicited more competitive behavior from the participants in both groups. Thus, the competitive index has a significant correlation with prisoner’s dilemma game scores, replicating previous studies. Furthermore, male participants were more competitive than female participants as evidenced by their Competitive Index score and Prisoner’s Dilemma score.
Keywords: Social Dilemma, Prisoner's Dilemma, Internet, Competitve, Cooperation, seven-choice, competitive index, pencil-and-paper
Topic(s):Psychology
Presentation Type: Technology Showcase
Session: 29-77
Location: OP Lobby & Atrium
Time: 1:15