Welcome to the Prisoner's Dilemma game. This is a classic game in game theory that demonstrates why two rational individuals might not cooperate, even if it appears that it is in their best interest to do so.

How the Game Works

In this game, you and another participant are the 'prisoners' who have been accused of a crime. You are separated and cannot communicate with each other. Each of you has two options: to 'Cooperate' with the other prisoner by staying silent, or to 'Defect' by betraying the other prisoner.

Possible Outcomes:

• If both of you cooperate (stay silent), each of you will receive a small punishment.
• If one cooperates and the other defects, the defector will receive a reward (lesser punishment), and the cooperator will receive a heavy punishment.
• If both of you defect, both will receive a moderate punishment.

Your Decision

Your task is to choose between 'Cooperating' and 'Defecting'. Think carefully about your choice, as it will affect both your outcome and the outcome of the other participant.

Remember, the goal is to maximize your own payoff, but the decision is also about predicting the other player's choice.

If you have any questions or need further clarification, please ask the experimenters.