Concept: game theory

Game theory attempts to mathematically capture behavior in strategic situations, or games, in which an individual’s success in making choices depends on the choices of others. Game theory has been used to study a wide variety of human and animal behaviors. It was initially developed in economics to understand a large collection of economic behaviors, including behaviors of firms, markets, and consumers. The use of game theory in the social sciences has expanded, and game theory has been applied to political, sociological, and psychological behaviors as well.


The Barber icon

The Barber

cost-benefit analysis | dominant strategy | game theory

The Finale icon

The Finale

changes in payoffs | game theory | incentives

The Robbery icon

The Robbery

game theory | randomized strategies

The Nose Job icon

The Nose Job

commitment device | game theory | trade-off

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The Pez Dispenser

dominant strategy | game theory

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The Soul Mate

commitment device | game theory

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The Wig Master

game theory | reputation effects

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The Susie

game theory

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The Pilot

game theory | signaling

The Stand-In icon

The Stand-In

game theory | randomized strategies