Decision Making in Poker: Evaluating Optimality After a Bad Beat
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Psychology
Date of Award
Spring 2022
Abstract
The following manuscript is a research study on decision making in poker. We investigated the effect of a bad beat (unexpected monetary loss) on future optimal risk-taking decisions (as determined by Kelly’s formula) of individuals participating in a computerized poker simulation task (CPST). Additional analysis included assessing for the effects of poker playing experience (as determined by scores on the Poker Experience Scale, PES) and baseline levels of emotional regulation as measured by Carver & White’s (1994) behavioral inhibition system/behavioral activation system (BIS/BAS) questionnaire on future optimal risk-taking decisions on the CPST. In this study, two questions were proposed. First, will individuals make optimal or sub optimal risk-taking decisions after experiencing a bad beat? Second, do individual differences in poker playing experience and emotion related traits predict if an individual will make optimal risk-taking decisions?
Advisor
David Frank
Subject Categories
Psychology | Social and Behavioral Sciences
Recommended Citation
Dennard, Clinton David, "Decision Making in Poker: Evaluating Optimality After a Bad Beat" (2022). Electronic Theses & Dissertations. 723.
https://digitalcommons.tamuc.edu/etd/723
