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The multiple objectives of gamblers

1984; Elsevier BV; Volume: 56; Issue: 1-3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/0001-6918(84)90016-7

1873-6297

Willem A. Wagenaar, Gideon Keren, Angie Pleit-Kuiper,

Cognitive and psychological constructs research

Abstract Many participants in gambling games realize that the odds are set against them, yet this realization does not stop them from gambling. This suggests that gamblers have multiple goals beside of maximizing monetary profits. The present study is an attempt to uncover these multiple objectives. A sample of 77 experienced Blackjack players were asked to express the degree to which they agree with 45 statements about Blackjack. The scores were analyzed by the program PRINCALS, which yielded three interpretable dimensions which were labeled as expected value, rationality of approach to the game, and risk attitude. Implications for the interpretation of empirical data in decision research, are briefly discussed.