Deal with Kids with Game Theory
A theory once used to study military tactics during the Cold War, the Game Theory has since then developed into a useful method of studying not only economic and political behaviours, but also social behaviours. Its application in various areas of our lives, including understanding and manipulating behaviours, especially those of children’s, is discussed in the newly published book, “The Game Theorist’s Guide to Parenting” by Paul Raeburn and Kevin Zollman.
As discussed in class, game theory is a theory that works to reach a compromise between interacting decision-makers. In their book, Rayburn and Zollman recommend parents to use such theory by applying auction settings when trying to resolve child or sibling conflicts. By engaging in a auction-like structure, children bid for their desired award. Children can bid for specific privilege by volunteering to do chores at home. According to Rayburn and Zollman, as children participate in such collaborative and compromising situation, children better understand outcomes of their and others’ actions and thus produce more thoughtful decisions.
The two authors have exhibited that the mathematical theory, the Game Theory, can also be applied to social phenomenons. It depicts the wide usage range of the Game Theory as it can now even resolve problems in parenting. Authors have also suggested other areas of social relationships including difficulties with friends and co-workers can also benefit from the utilization of the Game Theory. It is very interesting to see that such model, once thought to be specific to business and politics, can be so useful and accessible to our very daily lives.
http://www.ajc.com/news/lifestyles/parenting/new-book-brings-science-game-theory-parenting/nrCnC/