Framing Effects in Behavioral Game Theory

Framing effects in behavioral game theory represent a significant area of research within the broader field of behavioral economics. This area explores how the presentation or "framing" of information can influence decision-making processes and outcomes in strategic settings. While framing effects have been extensively studied in individual decision-making contexts, there is a growing interest in understanding their impact on strategic interactions, where multiple agents are involved. Recent studies have demonstrated that subtle changes in experimental instructions or the wording used to describe a game can significantly alter participants' perceptions, beliefs, and strategic behaviors. Despite these findings, there remains a gap in the literature regarding the comprehensive understanding of how different framing elements, such as payoff representations and strategy labels, affect strategic reasoning and cooperation dynamics. Addressing these gaps is crucial for advancing our knowledge of strategic decision-making and its implications for real-world applications.

This research topic aims to deepen our understanding of framing effects in strategic decision-making contexts. Specifically, it seeks to explore how variations in experimental instructions, payoff representations, and strategy labels influence perceptions, beliefs, and strategic play within game settings. The research will address questions such as: How do different framing elements impact strategic reasoning and cooperation? What role do graphical and numerical payoff formats play in shaping decision-making processes? By investigating these questions, the research aims to contribute to the development of a more nuanced understanding of framing effects in behavioral game theory.

To gather further insights in the domain of framing effects in strategic decision-making, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• The impact of non-neutral wording and subtle modifications in experimental instructions on strategic behavior.
• The influence of graphical representations and numerical formats on beliefs and decision-making processes.
• The effects of changing payoff frames from gains to losses on strategic reasoning.
• The role of strategy labels and their salience in coordination and cooperation dynamics.
• The application of framing effects in real-world strategic contexts beyond traditional experimental methods.

Keywords: Behavioral Game Theory

Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.