Volume 4 Issue 4
Authors: Atsuo MURATA
Abstract: This study investigated the irrationality in decision-making on risk attitude. More specifically, the readiness of reflection in decision-making was investigated and compared between two conditions (the reflection from the risk-seeking choice to the risk-aversion choice and that from the risk-aversion choice to the risk-seeking choice). Second, the condition (p-value (probability of gain or loss)) for the reversal of choice (change of risk attitude) was identified and compared to gain and loss domains. In such a way, the irrationality in decision-making on risk attitude was introduced. On the basis of such an approach, it was discussed how choosing one of the two prospects A ($Y, p) or B ($X, 1) should be systematically treated in order to generalize the change of risk attitude under the condition of a smaller value of p and Y >> X (Y is much larger than X). While the reflection effect from the risk-seeking choice to the risk-aversion choice readily occurred when the occurrence probability p of the larger gain was low, the reflection effect from the risk-aversion choice to the risk-seeking choice did not readily occur. The amount of change (increment or decrement) of p-value necessary for changing the risk attitude (from risk-aversion to risk-seeking, and vice versa) was identified for both the gain and loss domains. A simple demonstrative decision-making paradigm is insufficient for the generalization of characteristics of the weighting function π(p)>p.
Keywords: Behavioral Economics; Prospect Theory; Reflection Effect; Reversal of Choice; Irrationality; Change of Risk Attitude
Authors: Tanja Zimmermann; Donald H. Baucom; Jasmine T. Irvin; Nina Heinrichs
Abstract: Couples from the USA (n = 161) and Germany (n = 64) participated in social support interactions after the women were diagnosed with breast cancer. The primary aim was to investigate whether a coding system developed in one country could be reliably used in another country. Results indicate that the Social Support Interaction Coding System can be used reliably within both studied countries. The secondary aim was to investigate whether coders are able to reliably rate interactions of couples from other countries. Results demonstrate egocentric bias: coders rated couples from the other country as they perceived couples in their own country. Investigation of similar social support functions across countries show that German couples engage in more neutral support behavior than U.S. couples, but differences are not reflected in marital adjustment differences. In both countries, when the women used a more negative communication style to ask for support, men were less positive and more negative while providing support. Alternatively, the more positively men asked for support, females were generally more positive and less neutral in providing support. Findings indicate that there are both notable differences and similarities in support behaviors and functions, yielding different implications for relationship functioning in different countries.
Keywords: Psycho-oncology; Couples; Breast Cancer; Communication; Cross-country; Social Support; Relationship Functioning