Dueler's Dilemma: A One-Person Computer Gaming Platform for Decision Making

摘要

Dueler's Dilemma is one-person computer-based interactive game whereby the player, hereafter referred to as the subject, engages an unseen opponent in a non zero-sum silent shooting duel. Shots fired on a time scale from 0 to 100 by either the subject or opponent have a linearly increasing chance of hitting their target from 0 to 100%, respectively. However, the probability that either target is hit depends on the combination of shooting times that the subject and opponent chooses (e.g., if the opponent shoots first, the subject's only chance of hitting the opponent depends on being missed by the opponent's shot). The shooting times chosen by the opponent generally vary and are concealed from the subject. Further, the probability of being hit changes with each engagement, even if the subject chooses to shoot at the same time as in a previous engagement. However, patterns will emerge with a sufficient number of engagements and the subject's objective is to converge to an optimal shooting time. After each engagement, the subject is presented with a display of the outcome, either in discrete or distributional format. Dueler's Dilemma is presented as a versatile gaming platform suitable for researching life-critical decision making under time constraints. Its simplistic rule structure complemented by the considerable latitude in shaping the opponent's shooting strategy makes it an attractive investigative tool for exploring behavioural responses regarding force application and force protection, as demonstrated through various scenarios.