Toward a model of interpersonal motivation in experimental games

Abstract

A geometric model of preference is described for evaluating choices in decomposed two-choice experimental games. The model characterizes a subject's (S's) choice behavior in terms of a parameter, called motivational orientation, that represents the relative weights assigned by S to his own and to the other player's outcomes. Previous definitions of motivational orientation are shown to be included in the model as particular values of the model parameter, and the characterization of decomposed games by dominance class is interpreted geometrically. Methods for measuring motivational orientation in decomposed games are discussed, and an experiment is presented demonstrating the validity and reliability of the construct.