Model 1

Suggested Parameters

In this model there are three different scenarios that can occur. These are:

  1. The cooperators completely take over.
  2. The defectors completely take over.
  3. There is a mix of cooperators and defectors (which can be dominated by one type or the other).

It is of interest to examine parameter values which produce all three cases. A good place to start might be the set of classical Prisoner's Dilemma parameters. As defined earlier, these are:

 

 Player 2
Player 1 
   Defect Cooperate
Defect  1  5
Cooperate  0  3

Which strategy wins under these parameters? Is this consistent with the explanation in the Prisoner's Dilemma entry in the library?

Now try different arrangements of these numbers (remember only certain combinations are allowed). Two interesting alternatives are:

 

 Player 2
Player 1 
   Defect Cooperate
Defect 0  3
Cooperate 1  5
and
 

 Player 2
Player 1 
   Defect Cooperate
Defect  0  5
Cooperate  1  3

With the latter example try increasing some of the parameters slowly and observe what happens. At what point do you get switching from defectors dominating to cooperators dominating?

Can you produce a similar set of results with a different set of parameters (e.g. 1,2,3,4)? What are the relationships between the parameters that determines which type wins?

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