| By: |
Proto, Eugenio (DepartmentofEconomics,University of Warwick, CAGE and IZA);
Sgroi, Daniel (Department of Economics, University of Warwick,CAGE and Nuffield College, University of Oxford);
Mahnaz Nazneen, Mahnaz (Department of Economics, University of Warwick) |
| Abstract: |
Existing research supports two opposing mechanisms through which positive mood
might affect cooperation. Some studies have suggested that positive mood
produces more altruistic, open and helpful behavior, fostering cooperation.
However, there is contrasting research supporting the idea that positive mood
produces more assertiveness and inward-orientation and reduced use of
information, hampering cooperation. We find evidence that suggests the second
hypothesis dominates when playing the repeated Prisoner's Dilemma. Players in
an induced positive mood tend to cooperate less than players in a neutral mood
setting. This holds regardless of uncertainty surrounding the number of
repetitions or whether pre-play communication has taken place. This finding is
consistent with a text analysis of the pre-play communication between players
indicating that subjects in a more positive mood use more inward-oriented,
more negative and less positive language. To the best of our knowledge we are
the rst to use text analysis in pre-play communication. |
| Date: |
2017 |
| URL: |
http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wrk:warwec:1141&r=big |