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A Study of the Triggers of Conflict and Emotional Reactions

Author

Listed:
  • Michael Caldara

    (Amazon.com, Inc., 440 Terry Ave. N, Seattle, CA 98109, USA)

  • Michael T. McBride

    (Department of Economics, University of California, 3151 Social Science Plaza, Irvine, CA 92697, USA)

  • Matthew W. McCarter

    (Department of Management, University of Texas, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
    Economic Science Institute, Chapman University, One University Drive, Orange, CA 92866, USA)

  • Roman M. Sheremeta

    (Economic Science Institute, Chapman University, One University Drive, Orange, CA 92866, USA
    Weatherhead School of Management, Case Western Reserve University, 11119 Bellflower Road, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA)

Abstract

We study three triggers of conflict and explore their resultant emotional reactions in a laboratory experiment. Economists suggest that the primary trigger of conflict is monetary incentives. Social psychologists suggest that conflicts are often triggered by fear. Finally, evolutionary biologists suggest that a third trigger is uncertainty about an opponent’s desire to cause harm. Consistent with the predictions from economics, social psychology, and evolutionary biology, we find that conflict originates from all three triggers. The three triggers differently impact the frequency of conflict, but not the intensity. Also, we find that the frequency and intensity of conflict decrease positive emotions and increase negative emotions and that conflict impacts negative emotions more than positive emotions.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael Caldara & Michael T. McBride & Matthew W. McCarter & Roman M. Sheremeta, 2017. "A Study of the Triggers of Conflict and Emotional Reactions," Games, MDPI, vol. 8(2), pages 1-12, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jgames:v:8:y:2017:i:2:p:21-:d:96256
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    conflict; incentives; fear; uncertainty; laboratory experiment; reverse dictator game; joy of destruction game;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C72 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Noncooperative Games
    • 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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