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The Rationality of Prejudices

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  • Thomas Chadefaux
  • Dirk Helbing

Abstract

We model an -player repeated prisoner's dilemma in which players are given traits (e.g., height, age, wealth) which, we assume, affect their behavior. The relationship between traits and behavior is unknown to other players. We then analyze the performance of “prejudiced” strategies—strategies that draw inferences based on the observation of some or all of these traits, and extrapolate the inferred behavior to other carriers of these traits. Such prejudiced strategies have the advantage of learning rapidly, and hence of being well adapted to rapidly changing conditions that might result, for example, from high migration or birth rates. We find that they perform remarkably well, and even systematically outperform both Tit-For-Tat and ALLD when the population changes rapidly.

Suggested Citation

  • Thomas Chadefaux & Dirk Helbing, 2012. "The Rationality of Prejudices," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 7(2), pages 1-6, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0030902
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0030902
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Thomas Chadefaux & Dirk Helbing, 2010. "How Wealth Accumulation Can Promote Cooperation," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 5(10), pages 1-7, October.
    2. Francisco C. Santos & Marta D. Santos & Jorge M. Pacheco, 2008. "Social diversity promotes the emergence of cooperation in public goods games," Nature, Nature, vol. 454(7201), pages 213-216, July.
    3. Anne Case & Christina Paxson, 2008. "Stature and Status: Height, Ability, and Labor Market Outcomes," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 116(3), pages 499-532, June.
    4. Jonathan Bendor & Roderick M. Kramer & Suzanne Stout, 1991. "When in Doubt..," Journal of Conflict Resolution, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 35(4), pages 691-719, December.
    5. repec:pri:indrel:case_paxson_stature_status_8312006.pdf is not listed on IDEAS
    6. repec:pri:cheawb:case_paxson_stature_status_8312006.pdf is not listed on IDEAS
    7. repec:pri:cheawb:case_paxson_stature_status_8312006 is not listed on IDEAS
    8. repec:pri:indrel:case_paxson_stature_status_8312006 is not listed on IDEAS
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