Figure 17-4. Aaron and Ed are roommates. After a big snowstorm, their driveway needs to be shoveled. Each person has to decide whether to take part in shoveling the driveway. At the end of the day, either the driveway will be shoveled (if one or both roommates take part in shoveling), or it will remain unshoveled (if neither roommate shovels). With happiness measured on a scale of 1 (very unhappy) to 10 (very happy), the possible outcomes are as follows:
-Refer to Figure 17-4. In pursuing his own self-interest, Ed will
A)refrain from shoveling whether or not Aaron shovels.
B)shovel only if Aaron shovels.
C)shovel only if Aaron refrains from shoveling.
D)shovel whether or not Aaron shovels.

Question

Figure 17-4. Aaron and Ed are roommates. After a big snowstorm, their driveway needs to be shoveled. Each person has to decide whether to take part in shoveling the driveway. At the end of the day, either the driveway will be shoveled (if one or both roommates take part in shoveling), or it will remain unshoveled (if neither roommate shovels). With happiness measured on a scale of 1 (very unhappy) to 10 (very happy), the possible outcomes are as follows: 
-Refer to Figure 17-4. In pursuing his own self-interest, Ed will
A)refrain from shoveling whether or not Aaron shovels. 
B)shovel only if Aaron shovels. 
C)shovel only if Aaron refrains from shoveling. 
D)shovel whether or not Aaron shovels.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In a situation where Ed is pursuing his own self-interest, he will choose the option that requires the least effort from him. If shoveling is a task that both can do, Ed will refrain from shoveling regardless of Aaron's actions, as this minimizes his own work.