A unique approach to the experimental analysis of interactive choice behavior is described. Pairs of subjects were coupled in such a manner that each subject’s choice determined either the probability of reinforcement or the points awarded to the other subject’s choice. In this manner, several of game theory’s familiar games, like Prisoner’s Dilemma, were created. With pigeons as subjects, with humans playing against pigeons or humans playing each other (either in the laboratory or on the Internet), and even with a simple computer simulation, the results were clear. In every instance, players’ choices gravitated to the game’s pure strategy Nash equilibrium in games that have them and to a near equality of responding in the game Rock-Paper-Scissors, which does not. The principle of positive reinforcement entirely accounts for the results. There is no need for appeal to complex mathematical models or higher-order concepts of strategy, optimality, rational expectations and the like.

描述了一种独特的交互式选择行为实验分析方法。成对的受试者以这样一种方式结合在一起，即每个受试者的选择决定了强化的概率或给予另一个受试者选择的分数。就这样，一些博弈论中大家熟悉的游戏，比如囚徒困境，就诞生了。以鸽子为对象，人类与鸽子比赛或人类互相比赛（在实验室或互联网上），即使是简单的计算机模拟，结果也很清楚。在任何情况下，玩家的选择都被游戏的纯粹策略所吸引拥有它们的游戏中的纳什均衡，以及在游戏中几乎没有反应的石头剪刀布游戏中的纳什均衡。正强化原则完全解释了结果。不需要诉诸复杂的数学模型或策略、最优性、理性预期等的高阶概念。