Game Theory for Parents and Other Humans with Kevin Zollman

PsyDactic welcomes The Game Theorist's Guide to Parenting co-author, Kevin Zollman who discusses game theory as the science of strategic thinking. We explore how mathematical models like the Prisoner’s Dilemma and mechanism design can be used to manage family dynamics by creating win-win solutions rather than competitive, zero-sum outcomes. The conversation highlights practical techniques such as "I cut, you pick" for fairness, the importance of making credible threats that parents are actually willing to execute, and ways to make honesty more profitable than lying through strategic questioning. While children may be impulsive and at times difficult to predict, applying game theory helps parents influence behavior by understanding their children's incentives and fostering a predictable environment built on reciprocity and trust.

Please leave feedback at https://www.psydactic.com or send any comments to feedback@psydactic.com.

References and readings (when available) are posted at the end of each episode transcript, located at psydactic.buzzsprout.com. All opinions expressed in this podcast are exclusively those of the person speaking and should not be confused with the opinions of anyone else. We reserve the right to be wrong. Nothing in this podcast should be treated as individual medical advice.