game theory & manipulative signals-4

game theory

a mathematical framework for understanding conflicts and interactions between actors

requirements for a “game”

• more than two players

• strategic decisions

• rewards or penalties

• points/ actions during the game

• an overall solution

quadrant A

• honest signaling

• both parties benefit

quadrant B

• deceitful signaling

• sender benefits & receiver incurs a cost

quadrant C

• eavesdropping

• sender incurs a cost, receiver benefits

quadrant D

• not typically selected for

• both parties incur a cost

deceitful signaling

• when a signaler manipulates a receiver to gain a benefit at the receiver’s expense

• ex:

  • spider mimicking an ant

  • frog camouflaged to avoid predation

  • predators tricking prey

eavesdropping

• exploitation of a signal by an unintended recipient

• ex:

  • bats listening to frog mating calls to locate prey

  • squirrels overhearing humans with food

  • humans overhearing conversations about ticket sales

co-evolution of signaling

• continuous adaptation and counter-adaptation between signalers and receivers

• goal: achieve an evolutionary stable strategy

signalers aim to

• produce signals that affect receiver behavior

• be successful enough to survive and reproduce

receivers aim to

• distinguish between honest and manipulative signals

• develop better discrimination mechanisms