Abstract
Methods/Materials
This is an entirely computer-based experiment. It uses a cellular-automata based simulation (coded in C++) to model interactions between hundreds of "organisms" playing the Prisoner's Dilemma over and over again. Strategies evolved based on which were the most successful Data analysis was done in MATLAB, looking at the strategies of many different organisms over time in a number of sophisticated ways using tools developed by the author.
Results
Punishment was not used in any clear strategies for any extended period of time in any of the runs under a variety of conditions.
Conclusions/Discussion
Part of the reason punishment did not arise may have been because of the volatile environment that was created. However, we can conclude with almost complete certainty that retribution is not a robust phenomenon, and does not arise simply from a situation in which players attempt to maintain cooperation.
This project uses an evolutionary simulation to understand whether the general phenomenon of retribution can be explained easily through game theory.
Science Fair Project done By Eli N. Weinstein