📚 Learning Guide
Game Theory and Backward Induction
medium

In a sequential move game, if Player A knows Player B will always choose the highest payoff available, how should Player A use backward induction to maximize their own payoff?

Master this concept with our detailed explanation and step-by-step learning approach

Learning Path
Learning Path

Question & Answer
1
Understand Question
2
Review Options
3
Learn Explanation
4
Explore Topic

Choose the Best Answer

A

Choose the option that minimizes Player B's payoff

B

Choose the option that maximizes their own payoff considering Player B's likely response

C

Randomly select an option to avoid predictability

D

Always choose the lowest available payoff to trick Player B

Understanding the Answer

Let's break down why this is correct

Answer

In backward induction, Player A first looks at the game’s last move, predicting that Player B will pick the action that gives B the largest payoff. A then reasons backward: for each of A’s possible earlier moves, A calculates what B will do at the end and what A’s payoff will be. A chooses the earlier move that leads to the highest payoff for herself, knowing that B’s choice will be the one that maximizes B’s payoff. For example, if A can choose between “Go” or “Stay,” and “Go” leads to a final situation where B would pick the highest payoff for B (and give A a payoff of 3) while “Stay” leads to B picking a lower payoff for B (giving A a payoff of 5), A will choose “Stay. ” Thus, by working backward from B’s rational choice, A selects the action that maximizes her own payoff.

Detailed Explanation

Player A looks at the last move that Player B will make and picks the earlier move that gives the best result after that. Other options are incorrect because The idea is to hurt B, but hurting B does not guarantee A gets more; Randomness does not help because B will still pick the best payoff.

Key Concepts

Backward Induction
Game Theory
Strategic Decision Making
Topic

Game Theory and Backward Induction

Difficulty

medium level question

Cognitive Level

understand

Practice Similar Questions

Test your understanding with related questions

1
Question 1

In an extensive form game, if Player A chooses to cooperate while Player B has the option to defect, what will Player B's optimal strategy be using backward induction?

easyEconomics
Practice
2
Question 2

What is the correct sequence of steps to apply backward induction in a sequential game scenario?

easyEconomics
Practice
3
Question 3

In a sequential game, a player observes their opponent's move and chooses their response based on that observation. What is the most likely reason that the observing player achieves a higher payoff by choosing their strategy after observing the first player's action?

mediumEconomics
Practice
4
Question 4

In a game where Player A moves first and Player B observes that move before making their own decision, which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of backward induction?

easyEconomics
Practice
5
Question 5

In a sequential move game analyzed using backward induction, players anticipate the actions of their opponents to select moves that maximize their own payoff. This technique is primarily used to determine the _____ strategy for each player.

easyEconomics
Practice
6
Question 6

In a sequential game, how does backward induction impact a player's strategy selection?

mediumEconomics
Practice
7
Question 7

In a two-player game, if Player A anticipates Player B's response to their move, which strategy best exemplifies backward induction?

mediumEconomics
Practice
8
Question 8

In a competitive game scenario where two players must decide their next move while anticipating each other's responses, which strategy best utilizes backward induction for optimal decision-making?

hardEconomics
Practice
9
Question 9

Arrange the steps a player should take in a game theory scenario using backward induction to maximize their strategy: A) Analyze potential outcomes and payoffs, B) Decide on the current move based on the analysis, C) Observe the opponent's previous moves, D) Make an informed strategy choice based on the observed responses.

easyEconomics
Practice

Ready to Master More Topics?

Join thousands of students using Seekh's interactive learning platform to excel in their studies with personalized practice and detailed explanations.