(DEPSCOR) DYNAMICS OF BELIEFS, POWER, AND INEQUALITY IN WITHIN- AND BETWEEN-GROUP COOPERATION AND CONFLICT
Abstract
Topic 10- Social and Behavioral Science -- ARO Program Officer- Dr. Lisa TroyerPublicly Releasable AbstractEconomic, social, and political inequality among individuals and groups is a common driving force behind the social unrest in developed and developing countries. The aim of our project is to theoretically and experimentally study the extent to which such inequality contributes to the fragility of cooperation among individuals and groups, and to identify the behavioral aspects that may alleviate (or exacerbate) the problem. Our approach will include mathematical, computational, and experimental components. In particular, on the theoretical front, we aim to develop a mathematical model that can capture the realism of the power dynamics among the individuals and groups that are faced with a sequence of collective action problems. In our models, individuals will revise their actions, attitudes, and beliefs about others according to the information they receive as well as according to their interpretation of the current situation and psychological processes governing their thinking and emotions (such as cognitive dissonance, the theory of mind , and logic constraints). On the experimental front, we aim to run a set of behavioral economics experiments that will allowus to test the theoretical prediction as well as identify behavioral and psychological factors that promote (or impede) within- and between-group cooperation. On the computational front, we will run simulations based on the model calibrated to the experimental data to get additional insights that are not practical or not feasible to run in the lab (e.g., long-lasting interaction among a large number of individuals and groups). In addition to providing the Army with improved theoretical tools that can be used to forecast emergent conflicts and understanding the basis for improving collective outcomes, the understanding of horizontal inequality may also contribute to developing institutions and norms that promote more robust inter-organizational cooperation and military alliances.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 07, 2023
- Source ID
- FA95502110217
Entities
People
- Yaroslav Rosokha
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- Purdue University