Competitiveness and conflict behavior in simulation of a social dilemma

This experiment examined the competitive behavior in a seven-choice Prisone r's Dilemma game of 108 adult students (68 women, 40 men) classified as hig h, average, or low in competitiveness based on their scores on the Competit iveness Index. Participants were then presented one of three preprogrammed response conditions representing (1) Competitive, (2) De-escalating, or (3) Noncompetitive conflict behavior from a simulated opponent. Participants h igh in competitiveness engaged in more competitive behavior and reported hi gher satisfaction with the task than those low in competitiveness. As expec ted, the Competitive conditions elicited more competitive behavior than Non competitive conditions. The results suggest competitive individuals may be particularly susceptible to social cues that trigger competitive behavior.