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I see it as a simple equation. I don't think it says more than that about people. Can someone enlighten me as to why a 90% break point? Why not for example 50%

I see it as a simple equation. I don't think it says more than that about people. Can someone enlighten me as to why a 90% break point? Why not for example 50%? Is it because 90% introduces some level of collaboration or vice versa? Sans collaboration or any other useful information (people I may already know in the class, etc.), I would say at best you have a 50/50 chance of a total stranger choosing the option that is better for the common good. That number is based on it being college age students. If it were the general public at large I would estimate at least 60% would choose the more personally beneficial option. Am I just extremely pessimistic? Please give your thoughts.

Amorymeltzer 11y ago
I imagine it's because 10% kicks in really easy and requires the you to stop and think about your actions. If you need a full 50%, screw it, go for 6, almost everyone else will. At 10%, though, you stand a fairly good chance of being the tipping point.
- Smushman 11y ago
  With the given caveat that any more than 10% of the group requesting 6 voids the whole thing, it seemed a foregone conclusion to expect 0 points. On the off chance I am wrong about that, I would end up with 6. So the final conclusion I had == highly likely 0, but a very small chance of 6. 2 points were statistically ruled out the moment I heard 10%. I see how the thinking re: screw it though also is valid. Thanks.
nadams 11y ago
I think we are missing some context - and that is very important to show if the students could communicate/collaborate (such as a homework question) or a test question. > I would say at best you have a 50/50 chance of a total stranger choosing the option that is better for the common good. It depends on factors such as the student's current grade. I would argue you are more likely to choose 6 if you have a lower grade. > If it were the general public at large I would estimate at least 60% would choose the more personally beneficial option. Here is an related experiment. Choose N random people, and offer 2 choices: $50 or $200 and run the same experiment. Here is an interesting question - are people less "greedy" if the prizes/points have a greater span? Such as instead of 2 points and 6 what about 2 points and 20 points. I think the experiment is interesting any way you think about it.

Amorymeltzer 11y ago

I imagine it's because 10% kicks in really easy and requires the you to stop and think about your actions. If you need a full 50%, screw it, go for 6, almost everyone else will. At 10%, though, you stand a fairly good chance of being the tipping point.

Smushman 11y ago
With the given caveat that any more than 10% of the group requesting 6 voids the whole thing, it seemed a foregone conclusion to expect 0 points. On the off chance I am wrong about that, I would end up with 6. So the final conclusion I had == highly likely 0, but a very small chance of 6. 2 points were statistically ruled out the moment I heard 10%. I see how the thinking re: screw it though also is valid. Thanks.

nadams 11y ago

I think we are missing some context - and that is very important to show if the students could communicate/collaborate (such as a homework question) or a test question. > I would say at best you have a 50/50 chance of a total stranger choosing the option that is better for the common good. It depends on factors such as the student's current grade. I would argue you are more likely to choose 6 if you have a lower grade. > If it were the general public at large I would estimate at least 60% would choose the more personally beneficial option. Here is an related experiment. Choose N random people, and offer 2 choices: $50 or $200 and run the same experiment. Here is an interesting question - are people less "greedy" if the prizes/points have a greater span? Such as instead of 2 points and 6 what about 2 points and 20 points. I think the experiment is interesting any way you think about it.