Figure 17-3. Hector and Bart are roommates. On a particular day, their apartment needs to be cleaned. Each person has to decide whether to take part in cleaning. At the end of the day, either the apartment will be completely clean (if one or both roommates take part in cleaning), or it will remain dirty (if neither roommate cleans). With happiness measured on a scale of 1 (very unhappy) to 10 (very happy), the possible outcomes are as follows:
-Refer to Figure 17-3. In pursuing his own self-interest, Bart will
A)refrain from cleaning whether or not Hector cleans.
B)clean only if Hector cleans.
C)clean only if Hector refrains from cleaning.
D)clean whether or not Hector cleans.

Question

Figure 17-3. Hector and Bart are roommates. On a particular day, their apartment needs to be cleaned. Each person has to decide whether to take part in cleaning. At the end of the day, either the apartment will be completely clean (if one or both roommates take part in cleaning), or it will remain dirty (if neither roommate cleans). With happiness measured on a scale of 1 (very unhappy) to 10 (very happy), the possible outcomes are as follows: 
-Refer to Figure 17-3. In pursuing his own self-interest, Bart will
A)refrain from cleaning whether or not Hector cleans. 
B)clean only if Hector cleans. 
C)clean only if Hector refrains from cleaning. 
D)clean whether or not Hector cleans.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In a typical prisoner's dilemma scenario, which this question likely refers to, each player (Bart) will choose the option that benefits them the most regardless of the other player's (Hector's) actions. Therefore, Bart will refrain from cleaning whether or not Hector cleans, as it is in his self-interest to avoid the cost of cleaning.