Framing mediator decisions through the development of expectations: A range-frequency explanation

An integration of range-frequency theory, a theory of psychophysical judgment, and prospect theory, a theory of choice behavior under risk, is proposed. A critical assumption of prospect theory is that the reference point, which guides the riskiness of choice behavior, is modeled after Helson's (1964) adaptation level notion. It is proposed that range-frequency theory, which represents a more sophisticated adaptation level theory, provides a better representation of the reference point. Specifically, range-frequency theory was used to explain the setting of the reference point, the forming of global and specific judgments, and the riskiness of choice behavior on the basis of previously experienced gains and losses. The integration was tested within the context of mediation to examine mediator judgment and choice behavior. Effects on the reference point, judgment, and choice were also predicted from the differential weighting of gains and losses as a function of time. A computer-based mediation task was performed using 281 college students. The results revealed some of the dynamic processes that operate in mediation. These results generally support the proposed integration, but suggest that mediator judgment and behavior may be more complex than implied by the integration. Less support was found for effects involving the temporal weighting of gains and losses. Hypotheses concerning the asymmetric adaptation of the reference point as a function of range-frequency and temporal weighting effects were not supported. Implications for both behavioral decision theory and dispute resolution are discussed.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Psychology

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2011

Author dc:creator

• Lim, Rodney Gene

Contributors dc:contributor

• Carnevale, Peter J.

• Psychology, Social
• Psychology, Industrial

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 1990 Lim, Rodney Gene

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

AAI9114318
(UMI)AAI9114318

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/22803