scholarly journals Adaptations for Sharing Honest and Dishonest Gossip: A Fitness Interdependence Analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junhui Wu ◽  
Szabolcs Számadó ◽  
Pat Barclay ◽  
Bianca Beersma ◽  
Terence Daniel Dores Cruz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Theoretical Foundation ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Free Rider ◽  
Formal Models ◽  
Effective Solution ◽  
Optimal Decisions ◽  
Snowdrift Game ◽  
Stag Hunt Game ◽  
Conflicting Interests ◽  
Game Type

Gossip, which involves sharing information about absent others, has been identified as an effective solution to free rider problems in situations with conflicting interests between self and others. Yet, the information transmitted via gossip can be biased, because gossipers may send dishonest information about others for personal gains. Such dishonest gossip makes reputation-based cooperation more difficult to evolve. In which situations are people likely to share honest or dishonest gossip? In this theoretical review, we use formal models to provide the theoretical foundation for individuals’ gossip strategies in situations where the gossiper has varying levels of fitness interdependence with the target and/or the recipient. Our models across four different games (i.e., stag-hunt game, snowdrift game, helping game, and punishment game) illustrate that the gossiper’s action will be determined by (a) the gossiper’s fitness interdependence with the recipient and the target, and (b) the marginal cost/benefit in terms of payoff differences between two possible game actions for the recipient and the target (i.e., game type). Our models suggest a simple rule that gossipers can use to make optimal decisions even under noise. We discuss empirical examples that support the predictions of our model and potential extensions.

scholarly journals Honesty and dishonesty in gossip strategies: a fitness interdependence analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 376 (1838) ◽  
Author(s):  
Junhui Wu ◽  
Szabolcs Számadó ◽  
Pat Barclay ◽  
Bianca Beersma ◽  
Terence D. Dores Cruz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Theoretical Foundation ◽  
Perfect Match ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Simple Rule ◽  
Formal Models ◽  
Partial Match ◽  
Theme Issue ◽  
Honest Signalling ◽  
Optimal Decisions ◽  
Conflicting Interests

Gossip, or sharing information about absent others, has been identified as an effective solution to free rider problems in situations with conflicting interests. Yet, the information transmitted via gossip can be biased, because gossipers may send dishonest information about others for personal gains. Such dishonest gossip makes reputation-based cooperation more difficult to evolve. But when are people likely to share honest or dishonest gossip? We build formal models to provide the theoretical foundation for individuals' gossip strategies, taking into account the gossiper's fitness interdependence with the receiver and the target. Our models across four different games suggest a very simple rule: when there is a perfect match (mismatch) between fitness interdependence and the effect of honest gossip, the gossiper should always be honest (dishonest); however, in the case of a partial match, the gossiper should make a choice based on their fitness interdependence with the receiver and the target and the marginal cost/benefit in terms of pay-off differences caused by possible choices of the receiver and the target in the game. Moreover, gossipers can use this simple rule to make optimal decisions even under noise. We discuss empirical examples that support the predictions of our model and potential extensions. This article is part of the theme issue ‘The language of cooperation: reputation and honest signalling’.

Cost-Benefit Model for Risk-Based Design of a Typical Marine Platform in Mexico

2003 ◽  
Author(s):  
David de Leon ◽  
Alfredo H.-S. Ang
Keyword(s):  
Social Issues ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Risk Assessments ◽  
Management Decision ◽  
Optimal Decisions ◽  
Oil Platforms ◽  
Structural Risk ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Marine Platform ◽  
Alternative Designs

A reliability-based cost-benefit model for the risk management of oil platforms in the formulation of optimal decisions based on life-cycle consideration is proposed. The model is based on structural risk assessments and the integration of social issues and economics into the management decision process. Structural risks result from the platform’s exposure to the random environmental loading associated with the offshore site where it is located. Several alternative designs of a typical platform are proposed and assessed from the cost-effectiveness viewpoint. This assessment is performed through the generation of cost/benefit relationships that are used, later on, to select the optimal design.

scholarly journals Law, evolution and the brain: applications and open questions

2004 ◽  
Vol 359 (1451) ◽  
pp. 1697-1707 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Zeki ◽  
O. R. Goodenough ◽  
Owen D. Jones
Keyword(s):  
Brain Function ◽  
Predictive Power ◽  
Theoretical Foundation ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Evolutionary Analysis ◽  
Evolutionary Processes ◽  
Brain Science ◽  
Open Questions ◽  
Legal Strategies ◽  
The Brain

This paper discusses several issues at the intersection of law and brain science. It focuses principally on ways in which an improved understanding of how evolutionary processes affect brain function and human behaviour may improve law's ability to regulate behaviour. It explores sample uses of such ‘evolutionary analysis in law’ and also raises questions about how that analysis might be improved in the future. Among the discussed uses are: (i) clarifying cost–benefit analyses; (ii) providing theoretical foundation and potential predictive power; (iii) assessing comparative effectiveness of legal strategies; and (iv) revealing deep patterns in legal architecture. Throughout, the paper emphasizes the extent to which effective law requires: (i) building effective behavioural models; (ii) integrating life–science perspectives with social–science perspectives; (iii) considering the effects of brain biology on behaviours that law seeks to regulate; and (iv) examining the effects of evolutionary processes on brain design.

Optimal Liability for Libel

2003 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Oren Bar-Gill ◽  
Assaf Hamdani
Keyword(s):  
Constitutional Law ◽  
Theoretical Foundation ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
Social Benefit ◽  
Negative Externalities ◽  
Optimal Decisions ◽  
The Social ◽  
Publication Decision ◽  
Verification Process ◽  
Libel Law

Abstract Although courts justify the constitutional law of libel with consequential reasoning, the true consequences of liability for harmful speech have never been fully explored. We construct an analytical framework for studying libel law, emphasizing both the positive and negative externalities generated by the publication of information. Our model highlights two distinct decisions that a publisher faces, the verification decision and the publication decision. We first demonstrate that a single damage measure for publication of false libelous information, such as the “damages equal harm” measure, cannot simultaneously induce socially optimal decisions regarding verification and publication. We then argue that the damage measure should depend on the efficacy of the verification process. Interestingly, when verification is reasonably effective, the damage award should be set equal to the social benefit from truthful publication. Our analysis provides a theoretical foundation for important elements of current libel law. It also suggests practicable avenues for reform.

scholarly journals How to Build A Strong Theoretical Foundation

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul E. Smaldino
Keyword(s):  
Theoretical Foundation ◽  
Formal Theory ◽  
Formal Models ◽  
The Road ◽  
Psychological Science ◽  
The World ◽  
Weak Theories ◽  
The Way

It is our theories that shape how we see the world and the questions we ask of it. Fried argues that psychological science is plagued by weak theories, and that there is a real need for building and testing strong theories that include formal models. I agree. Fried calls for better training in the construction of formal theory, and I enthusiastically agree with this as well. However, I am concerned that the road to establish such a training in program will be long and hard. Fried ends his piece with tentative optimism, but little in the way of concrete proposals. Here I’ll outline what I think some of the necessary changes are and why implementing them will be challenging. I’ll conclude with some thoughts on how to overcome those challenges. Constructing good strong theories requires integration of the skills currently possessed by psychological scientists with (1) increased interdisciplinarity, (2) increased technical prowess, and (3) increased philosophical scrutiny.

The taming of institutions in economics: the rise and methodology of the ‘new new institutionalism’

2009 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 289-313 ◽  
Author(s):  
PETER SPIEGLER ◽  
WILLIAM MILBERG
Keyword(s):  
Institutional Economics ◽  
Explanatory Power ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
Economic Modeling ◽  
New Institutional Economics ◽  
Formal Models ◽  
Modeling Tools ◽  
Pareto Improving

Abstract:We examine the origin and methodology of a ‘New New Institutional Economics’ (NNIE) – an emerging research agenda distinguished by its attempt to account for the role of institutions in complex socio-economic change by formally modeling institutions as the background conditions to parameterized cost–benefit calculations. The NNIE expands the application of economic modeling tools to new areas of inquiry, models institutional outcomes with parsimony and mathematical rigor, and introduces political and economic power, thereby allowing for consideration of institutional change that is not Pareto improving. Using a four-part analytical framework, we find that the explanatory power of NNIE analysis derives not from its formal models, but from a more vague, nuanced, and narrative version of the formal models, which we call ‘Quasi-Models’. We find that the NNIE's formal models are too parsimonious to meaningfully illuminate the complex institutions they ostensibly represent.

The Multiple Faces of Risk-Taking

2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Florian Schmitz ◽  
Karsten Manske ◽  
Franzis Preckel ◽  
Oliver Wilhelm
Keyword(s):  
Risk Taking ◽  
Basic Research ◽  
Formal Models ◽  
Experimental Paradigm ◽  
Nomological Network ◽  
Balloon Analogue Risk Task ◽  
Parameter Recovery ◽  
Task Specificity ◽  
Available Information ◽  
Criterion Variables

Abstract. The Balloon-Analogue Risk Task (BART; Lejuez et al., 2002 ) is one of the most popular behavioral tasks suggested to assess risk-taking in the laboratory. Previous research has shown that the conventionally computed score is predictive, but neglects available information in the data. We suggest a number of alternative scores that are motivated by theories of risk-taking and that exploit more of the available data. These scores can be grouped around (1) risk-taking, (2) task performance, (3) impulsive decision making, and (4) reinforcement sequence modulation. Their theoretical rationale is detailed and their validity is tested within the nomological network of risk-taking, deviance, and scholastic achievement. Two multivariate studies were conducted with youths (n = 435) and with adolescents/young adults (n = 316). Additionally, we tested formal models suggested for the BART that decompose observed behavior into a set of meaningful parameters. A simulation study with parameter recovery was conducted, and the data from the two studies were reanalyzed using the models. Most scores were reliable and differentially predictive of criterion variables and may be used in basic research. However, task specificity and the generally moderate validity do not warrant use of the experimental paradigm for diagnostic purposes.

Constructing and Deconstructing Concepts

2016 ◽  
Vol 63 (5) ◽  
pp. 249-262 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles A. Doan ◽  
Ronaldo Vigo
Keyword(s):  
Information Theory ◽  
Model Performance ◽  
Unsupervised Classification ◽  
Family Resemblance ◽  
Category Membership ◽  
Formal Models ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
One Dimensional ◽  
Relational Patterns ◽  
Optimal Classification

Abstract. Several empirical investigations have explored whether observers prefer to sort sets of multidimensional stimuli into groups by employing one-dimensional or family-resemblance strategies. Although one-dimensional sorting strategies have been the prevalent finding for these unsupervised classification paradigms, several researchers have provided evidence that the choice of strategy may depend on the particular demands of the task. To account for this disparity, we propose that observers extract relational patterns from stimulus sets that facilitate the development of optimal classification strategies for relegating category membership. We conducted a novel constrained categorization experiment to empirically test this hypothesis by instructing participants to either add or remove objects from presented categorical stimuli. We employed generalized representational information theory (GRIT; Vigo, 2011b , 2013a , 2014 ) and its associated formal models to predict and explain how human beings chose to modify these categorical stimuli. Additionally, we compared model performance to predictions made by a leading prototypicality measure in the literature.

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