A Stochastic Theory for Self-Other Expectations

Abstract

This technical report introduces the concept of self-other expectations (Joseph Berger’s [1958] dissertation also includes that term, although defined slightly differently), and develops propositions about their behavioral consequences. It presents a Markov model predicting stability or change in expectation states from different behaviors. Markov models assume that change of state (from one expectation pattern to another) depend only on the previous state and the transition probabilities. This concern became important in developing tasks for testing the theory, as seen in TRs #11 and #15.) TR#1 ends with a note that “Research is presently under way to develop an experimental situation...which...will provide the type of test data required....” Developing that experimental design is described in Berger (2007)