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, Hector will
A)refrain from cleaning whether or not Bart cleans.
B)clean only if Bart cleans.
C)clean only if Bart refrains from cleaning.
D)clean whether or not Bart 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, Hector will
A)refrain from cleaning whether or not Bart cleans. 
B)clean only if Bart cleans. 
C)clean only if Bart refrains from cleaning. 
D)clean whether or not Bart cleans.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In a typical prisoner's dilemma scenario, pursuing self-interest leads to both parties choosing not to cooperate. Hector will refrain from cleaning regardless of Bart's actions to maximize his own payoff.