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Communication and Guilt in a Prisoner's Dilemma

Author

Listed:
  • Topi Miettinen

    (SITE Stockholm School of Economics, Sweden)

  • Sigrid Suetens

    (CentER & TIBER & TILEC Tilburg University, the Netherlands)

Abstract

In this article, the authors measure experienced guilt in a prisoner's-dilemma experiment with preplay communication. The authors find that feelings of guilt only arise in the case of unilateral defection and that they are stronger when players have mutually agreed to cooperate. The authors also find that fining unilateral defection reduces feelings of guilt.

Suggested Citation

  • Topi Miettinen & Sigrid Suetens, 2008. "Communication and Guilt in a Prisoner's Dilemma," Journal of Conflict Resolution, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 52(6), pages 945-960, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jocore:v:52:y:2008:i:6:p:945-960
    DOI: 10.1177/0022002708322325
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    cooperation; guilt; experiments; prisoner's dilemma; preplay communication;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • D74 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances; Revolutions

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