Prisoner’s Dilemma
This lesson was conducted in a broader context of looking at the idea of fairness,rights, self and community interests. In class, we had pondered questions such as:
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Is it fair that each person in the community works so they get the best resultfor themselves (and only themselves)?
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What if getting the best result for you means that someone else may have tosuffer?
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Does it make a difference if you know or like the person who has to suffer?
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Step 1
they
would do if in this situation and why so.
Step 2
It is important that you do not explicitly state that this is a competition.Divide the group into 2 equal groups and line them up, backs MUST be turned to eachother. Head of the line has a red and a green card.Show/write the aim of the game:
“Both teams to score as many points as possible.”
(do not go into any lengthy explanations – just state/write that on the board)Show the scoring matrix:
Card shownScoringGroup AGroup BGroup AGroup B
GreenGreen33RedGreen41GreenRed14RedRed22
Step 3
Instruct the students at the start of the two lines line to show you their card (red orgreen) on your mark. Record the results & award points (not seen by students, besthave a scribe).When done, students pass on the cards to the next person in line and stand at the endof the line to wait their turn again. Everyone gets a turn, maybe even twice.It is important the students in different groups do not see the other person’s choice,back to each other at all times, no talking!
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