We present a theoretical model of a linear public good game in which heterogeneous players express social approval after observing contributions. The model explains how social approval is expressed and predicts positive contributions if subjects have a preference for social approval. Using a controlled laboratory experiment we test our model. In the experiment, subjects conduct computerized tas...

This paper empirically investigates the impact of normative social influence on group homogeneity in media preferences and group meeting outcomes in a setting where 58 student groups voluntarily used various communication media over a three-month software development project period. Group homogeneity in media preferences was argued to mediate the impact of normative social influence on group me...

We consider the problem of devising incentive strategies for viral marketing of a product. In particular, we assume that the seller can influence penetration of the product by offering two incentive programs: a) direct incentives to potential buyers (influence) and b) referral rewards for customers who influence potential buyers to make the purchase (exploit connections). The problem is to dete...

The “Hedonistic Paradox” states that homo economicus, or someone who seeks happiness for himor herself, will not find it, but the person who helps others will. This study examines two questions in connection with happiness and generosity. First, do more generous people, as identified in dictator experiments, report on average greater happiness, or subjective well-being, as measured by responses...

We investigate the complexity of temporal defeasible logic, and propose an efficient algorithm to compute the extension of any theory. The logic and algorithm are discussed in regard to modeling deadlines and normative retroactivity.

The present paper is an attempt to assess the nexus between insurgency and underdevelopment in North East India. To achieve this end first various dimensions of insurgencies towards achievement of different goals in different states in the region are narrated. The impact of insurgency on infrastructure, industry including petroleum and tea, and environment are then analyzed. The origin and pers...

Résumé : La terminologie connaît depuis plusieurs années un tournant linguistique important. On s’intéresse aujourd’hui davantage aux mots et à leur utilisation en discours qu’à connaître les choses qu’ils peuvent dénoter. Si effectivement l’approche wüstérienne et l’approche normative sont difficilement applicables stricto sensu et que la terminologie a tout intérêt à s’approprier le signifié,...

In two recent articles,1 the doctrine of testamentary undue influence was reevaluated and found deficient. In both articles it was argued that the doctrine as presently applied does not protect vulnerable testators,2 most particularly elderly people who make wills.3 The concern that elderly testators4 making wills for the first time, changing wills or adding codicils to their wills are subject ...

We consider the problem of updating a multi-agent system with a set of conditional norms. A norm comes into effect when its condition becomes true, and imposes either an obligation or a prohibition on an agent which remains in force until a state satisfying a deadline condition is reached. If the norm is violated, a sanction is imposed on the agent. We define a notion of a normative update of a...

Consent to perform a small favor increases a respondent's susceptibility to perform a relatively large favor. This phenomenon, known as the foot-in-the-door effect, is considered to result from induced self-perception changes: the respondent comes to feel helpful for doing the small favor and complies again later out of a desire to maintain the instilled self-view. This study did not find a lin...