Rational Choice Research Articles

Learning-by-doing: an insight worthy of the pantheon and how to do it in teams

Abstract In this paper, I pick up on an important theme in Mario Rizzo’s work: that rationality should be understood more broadly than the rational choice model as learning to adjust behaviour in the light of experience and the mistakes that it yields. In particular, I focus on learning-by-doing (LBD). I argue in the first part of the paper that it should be regarded as one of the central insights in economics, alongside those that are more usually recognised like the gains from trade and the importance of unintended consequences. I use Smith and Hirschman’s discussion of LBD to ground this claim. In the second part of the paper, I turn to the determinants of LBD in teams. I argue that the key rule or constitutional/policy design question is how best to embrace the diversity that is central to LBD within teams without this undermining the social origins of co-operation in teams.

Mechanism of Strategic Decision Making in Emergency Situations of Terrorist Attacks in Indonesia

Terrorism is a global phenomenon experienced by all countries including Indonesia, manifested in terrorist attacks that involve violence as a main element with the motivation to achieve political, ideological, and certain belief goals. The threat of potential massive terrorist attacks continues to evolve to this day. Each era shows a tendency in terms of ideology and also types of terrorist attacks. In different times, it is not impossible to have the potential for attacks in different forms. Terrorist attacks that occur in a country can pose a threat to the stability of all aspects of life, thus requiring competent handling by looking at how the mechanism of strategic decision making in Indonesia faces emergency situations of terrorist attacks. Reflecting on the experience of handling the Bali Bombing I, this research was conducted with a qualitative approach based on literature studies and interviews with sources consisting of academics, practitioners, and strategic observers in the issue of terrorism using rational choice theory and criminal policy as the basis for writing. Through the study conducted, the authors found that although Indonesia has experience in handling terrorist actions, the readiness from the capacity aspect needs to be matured, especially in dealing with terrorist attacks. Therefore, a strategic and uncomplicated decision-making mechanism needs to be formulated immediately through a clear command flow or delegation of authority that applies when emergency conditions of terrorist attacks occur.

Beyond Preferences in AI Alignment

AbstractThe dominant practice of AI alignment assumes (1) that preferences are an adequate representation of human values, (2) that human rationality can be understood in terms of maximizing the satisfaction of preferences, and (3) that AI systems should be aligned with the preferences of one or more humans to ensure that they behave safely and in accordance with our values. Whether implicitly followed or explicitly endorsed, these commitments constitute what we term a preferentist approach to AI alignment. In this paper, we characterize and challenge the preferentist approach, describing conceptual and technical alternatives that are ripe for further research. We first survey the limits of rational choice theory as a descriptive model, explaining how preferences fail to capture the thick semantic content of human values, and how utility representations neglect the possible incommensurability of those values. We then critique the normativity of expected utility theory (EUT) for humans and AI, drawing upon arguments showing how rational agents need not comply with EUT, while highlighting how EUT is silent on which preferences are normatively acceptable. Finally, we argue that these limitations motivate a reframing of the targets of AI alignment: Instead of alignment with the preferences of a human user, developer, or humanity-writ-large, AI systems should be aligned with normative standards appropriate to their social roles, such as the role of a general-purpose assistant. Furthermore, these standards should be negotiated and agreed upon by all relevant stakeholders. On this alternative conception of alignment, a multiplicity of AI systems will be able to serve diverse ends, aligned with normative standards that promote mutual benefit and limit harm despite our plural and divergent values.

Engaging in cyber hygiene: the role of thoughtful decision-making and informational interventions

IntroductionThe effectiveness of human-centric cybersecurity largely depends on end-users’ adherence to security and privacy behaviors. Understanding and predicting variations in the adoption of these safeguards is crucial for both theoretical advancement and practical application. While existing frameworks are often adapted from health science literature, there is potential to enhance these models by incorporating criminological constructs relevant to online victimization. This study introduce rational choice theory of thoughtfully reflective decision-making (TRDM) into the information security domain. TRDM suggests that variations in cognitive decision-making capabilities influence behavioral outcomes, particularly in the context of security and privacy practices.MethodsThe study employed a field experiment to test the applicability of TRDM in predicting end-users’ engagement in security and privacy behaviors. Participants were exposed to security-related warnings, with the hypothesis that thoughtfully reflective decision-makers would be more likely to adopt robust protective behaviors. Data was collected on participants’ responses to these security warnings, as well as their overall adherence to privacy and security practices.ResultsThe findings support the theoretical framework: individuals exhibiting thoughtfully reflective decision-making tendencies demonstrated a higher likelihood of engaging in privacy and security behaviors. Specifically, participants with higher TRDM scores were more likely to adopt protective behaviors when warned of the consequences of non-compliance. These results indicate that cognitive decision-making capabilities significantly influence the likelihood of engaging in cybersecurity practices.DiscussionThe study challenges the prevailing one-size-fits-all approach to cybersecurity by highlighting the importance of individual differences in cognitive decision-making. Thoughtfully reflective decision-makers are better equipped to adopt preventive security measures, suggesting the need for more tailored interventions in cybersecurity education and risk assessment. This research contributes to the development of sophisticated risk assessment tools aimed at mitigating vulnerabilities and reducing users’ susceptibility to digital threats. Incorporating TRDM into information security models provides a more nuanced understanding of user behavior, offering insights into how cognitive processes influence cybersecurity adherence.

Organised Violence, Inequality and Work: Violence Specialists as a Classed Occupation

Scholars have long debated what is the role of inequalities in organised violence, but the causal mechanisms remain unclear. I argue that mainstream approaches (e.g. deviance, subcultures, grievances, rational choice and Marxism) fall short because they overlook that organised violence is an intensive form of work. These perspectives often exoticise individuals involved in violence for profit or political purposes. Violence is not a deviant feature of social life but an integral part of collective action. By applying occupational lenses, I position those engaged in violence as a specialised class of manual workers recruited in the protection labour market. Scholars can acknowledge the occupational stratification observed before in research about organised violence by understanding violence specialists as workers. This essay explores how the sociology of work can enhance our understanding of inequality reproduction within criminal organisations, guerrillas, armies, police forces, mercenaries and private military companies.

Automation in Agriculture: A Robotic Approach to Weed Control for Greenhouse Cucumber Cultivation

The increasing global population has heightened the demand for efficient food production, leading to the adoption of compact cultivation methods such as greenhouses. However, weed growth within these controlled environments significantly challenges crop productivity. The application of robots can be a useful and economic choice. This study presents an innovative, purely mechanical system for weed control in greenhouses, specifically designed to operate autonomously on a monorail. The machine stops in the distance between the two main plant rows (cucumber) and its arm goes into the gap to deploy the weeds by rotating its blades. This is continued repeatedly. The cutting is by the rotational speed of the blade. Variable-speed motions of the blade were at 3500, 2500 and 1500 rpm for 3 types of moulinex, triangular, and circular blades. The movement speed of the arm was 10 and 30 rpm and the forward movement speed of the machine was 30, 40, 50, 60, 80 and 120 rpm. The results showed that different blades, blade speeds and engine speed affect significantly (p <0.05) the percentage of weeds being cut. Although the interactions of these factors have no significant effect on percentage; the average percentages by the blades have significant differences. Although the interactions between these factors were not statistically significant, the comparison of means revealed that at lower blade speeds, the blade type had a pronounced effect on weed-cutting efficiency. As blade speed increased, differences in blade performance diminished. The most effective combination was achieved using Moulinex blades at 3500 rpm with a 10-rpm arm speed, resulting in the highest percentage of weeds cut. These findings suggest that optimizing blade type and speed can significantly enhance the mechanical weed control efficiency in greenhouse environments.

Vasodilatory shock: a review of pathophysiology and vasopressor therapy

Vasodilatory shock is characterised by a global loss of vasomotor tone, leading to maldistribution of blood volume, low systemic arterial pressure and hypoperfusion. This syndrome can be caused by sepsis, anaphylaxis and a wide range of other aetiologies. This review article explores the pathophysiology of vasodilatory shock, including well-understood mechanisms and emerging avenues of future investigation. Options for vasopressor therapy are reviewed, including evidence from preclinical canine models, small animal clinical research, large human clinical trials and the Surviving Sepsis Campaign. Recommendations for rational vasopressor choice are extrapolated from this evidence. Future directions include the development of novel vasoactive agents, clinical data comparing the safety and effectiveness of vasopressors in small animals and the development of a veterinary-specific consensus statement guiding best practices for the treatment of vasodilatory shock.

Insecurity and political apathy in Nigeria’s elections: a study of Kano State elections (2011 - 2019)

This paper explores insecurity as a cause of political apathy that hinders political participation in Nigeria, taking Kano State as the context of the research. It adopts qualitative approach, simultaneously using both primary and secondary sources; in-depth interviews, scholarly articles and journals. Interviewees were purposively sampled. Rational Choice Theory is used as the theoretical pedestal to elucidate that partaking in political activity though an element of liberal democracy happens based on the choice and volition of citizens. Such a right could be taken away when citizens are disenfranchised as a result of insecurity; political violence, hooliganism etc. The study finds out among other things that violence emanates from the misconduct of thugs, sponsored or hired by politicians to rig elections, intimidate voters and scare off opponents at polling units. Also, belief of politicians that elections must be won by hook or crook and at all cost scares voters from falling victims at the hands of politicians and their political soldiers. Accordingly, the study recommends adequate civic education and political sensitization to citizens at early age through conventional schools and otherwise. Also, the electoral body should sanitize the system by employing stringent rules in the electoral process to ensure safe and violent-free environment before, during and after elections. Vetting and screening to-be political officers should also be rigorous, entailing character, records, use of drugs and association with political hooligans.

THE ROLE OF INTELLIGENCE IN NIGERIA'S NATIONAL SECURITY: A CRITICAL ASSESSMENT (2011-2023)

This paper systematically analyses the function of intelligence in Nigeria's national security between 2011 and 2023, with a specific emphasis on countering both established and developing risks including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, cybercrime, and oil theft. The analysis reveals notable deficiencies in inter-agency cooperation, technology integration, and the incorporation of community-based intelligence, which have impeded the efficacy of intelligence operations, despite substantial investments in intelligence infrastructure. Based on Rational Choice Theory, this analysis assesses the methods by which intelligence organizations collect, analyse, and employ intelligence to reduce security threats. The study utilizes a research design that involves a thorough literature analysis to assess the current academic research on intelligence and national security in the Nigerian setting. The results emphasize the necessity for more cooperation among security services, better integration of technology, and further engagement of the community in intelligence operations. This study enhances scholarly discourse and offers practical suggestions for policymakers to bolster Nigeria's intelligence infrastructure in tackling its intricate security issues.

Unlocking the Power of Financial Experience: How Risk Perception Shapes Investment Decisions

Research Aims: This study aims to investigate the influence of financial experience on investment decisions, with risk perception acting as an intervening variable among stock investors in Banjarmasin. Design/methodology/approach: The research employs a Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) approach to analyze the data collected through a survey questionnaire distributed to 122 stock investors in Banjarmasin. This methodology allows for simultaneous analysis of direct and indirect relationships between variables, providing a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics influencing investment decisions. Research Findings: The findings indicate that financial experience significantly and positively affects investment decisions, suggesting that investors with more extensive financial experience are likely to make more informed and strategic choices. Furthermore, financial experience significantly impacts risk perception, which in turn influences investment decisions, underscoring the crucial role of risk perception as a mediator in this relationship. Theoretical Contribution/Originality: This study contributes to the behavioral finance literature by elucidating the relationship between financial experience, risk perception, and investment decisions. It highlights the importance of financial literacy and education in enhancing investment decision-making processes, thereby promoting more rational and independent investment choices. Keywords: Financial experience, investment decisions, risk perception, behavioral finance, PLS-SEM

Behavioral Economics and Stock Market Decision-Making: Investor Biases and Investment Strategies

This study examines the application of behavioral economics to stock market decision-making, focusing on common cognitive biases of investors and their impact on investment decisions. Unlike the complete rationality assumed in traditional economics, behavioral economics reveals the irrational behaviors that investors exhibit when facing risks and uncertainties, such as overconfidence, loss aversion, and herd effect. By examining classical theories such as prospect theory, loss aversion, and the anchoring effect, as well as specific case studies such as the 2008 global financial crisis, this study aims to reveal how these psychological biases affect investors’ decision-making process. Further, this study examines how behavioral economics theories can be used to improve investment strategies by recommending methods such as low volatility investment strategies to help investors make more rational and effective investment choices in a complex market environment. Through in-depth analysis of the core theories and cases of behavioral economics, investors are better able to identify biases in the decision-making process, thereby optimizing their investment decisions and improving long-term investment returns.

Mobilizing extremism: an examination of the travel patterns of right-wing extremists in the United States

ABSTRACT Extensive criminological research has documented a ‘distance-decay’ effect in criminal activity, with offenders less likely to commit crimes farther from their residences. While recent studies have identified similar patterns in ideologically motivated violence, variation in the travel behaviors of extremists remains underexplored. Using data on right-wing extremists who carried out a violent plot, between 2000 and 2020, alongside information on Capitol insurrectionist arrestees – and drawing on routine activity and rational-choice theories of offender decision-making – this study extends this literature along three dimensions: type, time, and ties. First, we distinguish between different types of offenders, showing that while both violent extremists and insurrectionists exhibit distance-decays, the latter tend to travel farther and exhibit a more irregular decay. Secondly, we identify a meaningful temporal shift in the right-wing extremist landscape, with offenders increasingly traveling longer distances to execute their plots. Finally, we highlight the role of social ties in shaping travel behaviors, where individuals affiliated with extremist groups tend to travel longer distances. These findings contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the spatial behavior of right-wing extremists, the factors influencing their mobility, and the evolving nature of right-wing extremism in the United States.

RUSSIAN STRATEGIC CULTURE: INSIGHTS FROM THE FULL-SCALE WAR AGAINST UKRAINE

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24th February 2022 marks a security policy paradigm shift akin to ‘9/11’ for Europe. For the international community of security experts, the invasion represents an anomaly for their rational choice analysis. Their ‘logic of consequence’ must be replaced by the alternative ‘logic of appropriateness’. Hence, the author of this paper employs a broad approach to strategic culture stressing Kremlin regime security as Putin’s operational code. Under this approach, interventionism characterizes the Russian ‘way of war’ as does sheer brutality. The decision to invade Ukraine resulted from Putin’s personal hubris and idiosyncrasies as much as groupthink within the Russian security elite. Putin’s calculus behind invading Ukraine is reconstructed as geopolitical and geo-economic imperialism, along with domestic concerns for pacifying Russia. The first year of war exposed a dysfunctional Russian strategic culture - a collapsing Blitzkrieg effort and a failure to prevail in the subsequent battle for Donbas. The Russian conduct of war reiterated the signature Russian strategic culture of massive destruction and unpunished war crimes. Putin often doubles down and escalates, as seen in the partial mobilization on 21st September 2022. The winter of 2022–2023 brought both systematic Russian attacks on critical Ukrainian energy infrastructure and fierce battles in Vuhledar, Soledar and Bakhmut in which Russia used meatgrinder tactics. The Russian military performance improved during the second year of the war due to the construction of massive fortifications along the frontline. Putin’s strategy has thus turned in favour of a long war of attrition seeking to outlast the combined effect of successive Western upgrading of the weapons supplied to Ukraine and the stamina of the Ukrainians themselves. The Ukrainian counteroffensive shows Ukraine to have the initiative, but progress is painfully slow. This reflects the fact that the war is a war of attrition between two different militaries supported by two dissimilar coalitions of productive power and high-tech innovative capacity.

Low-Energy Desalination Techniques, Development of Capacitive Deionization Systems, and Utilization of Activated Carbon

Water desalination technology has emerged as a critical area of research, particularly with the advent of more cost-effective alternatives to conventional methods, such as reverse osmosis and thermal evaporation. Given the vital importance of water for life and the scarcity of potable water for agriculture and livestock—especially in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia—the capacitive deionization (CDI) method for removing salt from water has been highlighted as the most economical choice compared to other techniques. CDI applies a voltage difference across two porous electrodes to extract salt ions from saline water. This study will investigate water desalination using CDI, utilizing a compact DC power source under 5 volts and a standard current of 2 amperes. We will convert waste materials like sunflower seeds, peanut shells, and rice husks into activated carbon through carbonization and chemical activation to improve its pore structure. Critical parameters for desalination, including voltage, flow rate, and total dissolved solids (TDS) concentration, have been established. The initial TDS levels are set at 2000, 1500, 1000, and 500 ppm, with flow rates of 38.2, 16.8, and 9.5 mL/min across the different voltage settings of 2.5, 2, and 1.5 volts, applicable to both direct and inverse desalination methods. The efficiency at TDS concentrations of 2000, 1500, and 1000 ppm remains between 18% and 20% for up to 8 min. Our results indicate that the desalination process operates effectively at a TDS level of 750 ppm, achieving a maximum efficiency of 45% at a flow rate of 9.5 mL/min. At voltages of 2.5 V, 2 V, and 1.5 V, efficiencies at 3 min are attained with a constant flow rate of 9.5 mL/min and a TDS of 500 ppm, with the maximum desalination efficiency reaching 56%.

Refugees in the Global North: dynamics, dilemmas, and constructive engagement.

The movement of refugees across borders has become a persistent feature of contemporary global society. Despite the protections offered by the 1951 Refugee Convention, which has been ratified by some 146 states, countries in the Global North have adopted a variety of contradictory and incoherent policy responses to refugees and migrants. These responses have been influenced by anti-immigrant public sentiment and growing popular demands to restrict and manage cross-border movements. The dynamics and dilemmas of contemporary refugee movements and policy responses create challenges for advocates and practitioners. Refugee policies have been complicated by the phenomenon of 'mixed migration', where migratory patterns reflect the intersection of economic choices and forced migration. Within this context, we propose that policies of many prosperous countries, which thus far focus almost exclusively on restriction, be guided by considerations of shared responsibility and human dignity.

Modern etiotropic therapy of chronic viral hepatitis B

Chronic viral hepatitis B (CHB) is a significant global health problem. The biological characteristics of the hepatitis B virus, which causes this disease, significantly impede the achievement of complete virus elimination in most patients. In this regard, the rational choice of drugs and antiviral therapy regimens is crucial for increasing life expectancy and improving the quality of life in patients with CHB. The purpose of this literature review is to identify current approaches and trends in etiotropic therapy for CHB.Materials and methods. The review uses data published in domestic and foreign scientific journals, clinical guidelines, regulatory documents, and Internet resources.Results. Currently, the most effective means of etiotropic therapy for CHB are interferons (standard interferon alpha, pegylated interferons alpha-2a and alpha-2b), as well as first-line nucleoside/nucleotide analogs (entecavir, tenofovir) and second-line analogs (lamivudine, telbivudine, adefovir). The choice of a specific drug is determined by the patient's clinical condition, preferences, availability, and cost of treatment. Despite certain limitations of current etiotropic therapies for CHB, their use can significantly increase patients' life expectancy and improve their quality of life.

“Moving choice to center stage” in the relationship between the self and offending: Integrating symbolic interactionism and rational choice

Symbolic interactionism (SI) and rational choice (RC) can inform two parts of one process in which an individual's self guides their choice to offend. Building on the work of others who have referenced their theoretical compatibility, I draw explicit connections between the key concepts of each perspective to propose an integrated framework for examining variation in offending both between- and within-persons. The framework proposes a process by which individuals hold several structured role-identities that inform expectations of the risks, costs, and rewards of offending, and together these role-identities comprise a core self that influences the degree to which one weighs these expectations (preferences) in behavioral decisions. Further development of this integrated model can advance empirical tests of SI and RC.

The The Influence Of Media On Teenagers In Choosing Panjang Beach For Tourism In The Digital Era

Abstract: Social media has become essential for tourism promotion in this digital era. This research analyses the influence of social media platforms on tourism promotion in Bengkulu, using James S. Coleman's rational choice theory. This research uses a closed questionnaire given to 90 students who use social media to find a tourism destination. The analysis technique used is multiple linear regression analysis and percentage descriptive statistics. The results showed that the review of social media posts significantly influenced teenagers' interest in visiting a destination. 52.22% of respondents prefer Instagram as their travel reference, supported by reviews of tourist destinations in promotional posts. Tourism destinations that are active and creative in utilizing social media and have good reviews tend to have a higher level of interaction with potential tourists. The results of this study guide tourist destinations and tourism marketers to maximize the potential of social media in their promotion.

Graffiti Writers Choose Locations That Optimize Exposure

We investigate the spatial decision-making of graffiti writers when selecting target locations, examining how street segment characteristics influence exposure. Extending the rational choice perspective to expressive offending, we collected data through Systematic Social Observation in Ghent’s city center in November 2017, covering 12,655 graffiti instances across 2,233 street segments. The SSO involved counting graffiti items and public facilities likely to attract crowds, and measuring street network centrality. Conditional logit models assessed the impact of these characteristics on graffiti location choices. Results show that street network centrality and the presence of bars, night shops, residential units, and schools significantly increased graffiti writers’ preferences. Our findings suggest that graffiti writers aim to maximize exposure, highlighting the rational choice perspective’s relevance for expressive offending.

The mechanism of using the geographic information system in detecting unsafe spaces in the municipal areas of big cities (Investigation of unsafe places in the city of Dallas, Texas, USA)

For a long time, identifying the environmental and spatial factors of crime and trying to eliminate these factors or reduce their effects has been known as the most important way to increase safety and prevent the occurrence of anomalies. Because social anomalies, no matter how they happen to humans, have a place and place and time characteristics. Which distinguishes these behaviors from each other. Surveys show that some urban spaces have a higher crime rate due to their physical, social, and economic characteristics; a city is a collection of special mutual narratives that originate from the role and context of its internal institutions. Therefore, without providing a subjective definition, we accept the existence of the city based on objective characteristics, that is, the quality of the structure of the society and its economic and administrative role, not just the population quantity. Also, some thinkers have provided a comprehensible definition of urban space "Urban space is an organized, decorated, and orderly structure for human activities". Part of human actions and activities take place in place and space, and according to Anthony Giddens, "space is a physical set for social interactions". And on the contrary, some spaces prevent and prevent crimes from being committed inside them. On the other hand, research has proven that criminals often make rational choices when committing crimes and look for the simplest, least dangerous, and most suitable opportunities and conditions in place and time to commit crimes.