<p>This dissertation is a collection of three papers, each one being a chapter. The running subject of interest in all the papers is the strategic behavior of individuals in different environments. In the first chapter, I experimentally investigate collusive behavior under simultaneous interaction in multiple strategic settings, a phenomenon which I call multiple contacts. I investigate how multiple contacts impact collusive behavior when the players are symmetric or asymmetric. The second chapter is a joint work with Dr. Brian Roberson. In this chapter, we examine the role of cognitive diversity in teams on performance in a large innovation contest setting. We use a theoretical model to derive conditions under which increasing diversity can improve the performance in the large contest. Finally, in the third chapter, a joint work with Dr. Yaroslav Rosokha and Dr. Masha Shunko, we experimentally study players' behavior when they interact in an infinitely repeated environment, where the state of the world in each period is stochastic and dependent on a transition rule. Our main questions are how the transition rule impacts behavior and whether asymmetry in players impacts this.</p> <p><br></p> <p>In the first chapter, I study the phenomenon of multiple contacts using a laboratory experiment with multiple symmetric or asymmetric prisoners' dilemma games. When agents interact in multiple settings, even if defection or deviation from collusion in one setting can not be credibly punished in the same setting, it may be punishable in other settings. This can increase the incentive to collude. I observe a statistically significant increase in probability of punishment in one game after defection in another game under multiple contacts, but only when the games are asymmetric in payoffs. While punishment of defection increases in some situations, I do not find any significant increase in collusion due to multiple contacts in either symmetric or asymmetric environment. In addition to this result, to find further support for the theory which suggests that agents should use different strategies under multiple contacts, I estimate the underlying strategies that subjects use in my experiment. To this end, I modify popular strategies (e.g., Grim Trigger, Tit-for-Tat, etc.) to condition on the history observed in multiple strategic settings. I find that only for games with asymmetric payoffs subjects use these modified strategies in the presence of multiple contacts.</p> <p><br></p> <p>The second chapter is a theoretical work. In our model of large team innovation contest, teams develop an innovation using the skills or perspectives (tools) belonging to individual team members and the costly effort they provide.</p> <p>Prizes are awarded based on the values of the teams' innovations. Within a team, the team members posses different skills or perspectives (tools) which may be applied to innovation problems. For a given innovation problem and a given level of team effort, different combinations of tools within a team may generate different values for the team innovation. In this context, we examine the issues of individual team performance as a function of a team's own composition and the overall performance of the contest as a function of the compositions of the teams. We find that the question of whether increasing diversity leads to an increase in expected performance, for both an individual team and the overall contest, depends on the efficiency with which teams are able to effectively apply diverse sets of tools to innovation problems. Thus, our paper provides a channel -- other than a direct cost of diversity -- through which diversity can be beneficial or detrimental depending on how efficient teams are at utilizing diverse sets of team member tools.</p> <p><br></p> <p>The final chapter is another experimental study. We study an enviroment where individuals interact with each other in a prisoners' dilemma game repeatedly over time. However, the payoffs of the prisoners' dilemma game is decided stochastically using a transition rule. We vary the transition rule from alternation to random and study the change in subject behavior when the interaction is either symmetric or asymmetric. Our results show that in asymmetric environment, alternation can improve cooperation rates.</p> <p>With random transition rule, symmetric environment is more conducive to cooperation. We find that asymmetric environment with random transition rules performs the worst in terms of cooperation rates.</p>

La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo explorar las atribuciones causales y las creencias de un grupo de docentes de dos escuelas urbanas de la Provincia Daniel Alcides Carrión en Pasco (Perú) sobre los factores que influyen en sus resultados en el Concurso de Ascenso de Escala Magisterial. Este estudio se realizó tomando en cuenta un enfoque cualitativo con una aproximación fenomenológica, en conjunto con algunas herramientas de la teoría fundamentada. En base a dicha metodología, se llevaron a cabo cinco entrevistas semiestructuradas. Luego del análisis, se identificó que, por un lado, los entrevistados atribuyeron sus dificultades en la Prueba Única Nacional a la formación superior insuficiente que recibieron. Por otro lado, desde sus creencias, algunos docentes plantearon que una sola evaluación de opción múltiple podía resultar insuficiente para determinar el ascenso y, en algunos casos, creen que factores externos como la suerte o prácticas deshonestas explican los resultados del proceso de evaluación. / The purpose of this research was to explore the causal attributions and beliefs of a group of teachers from two urban schools in the Daniel Alcides Carrión Province in Pasco (Peru) about the factors that influence their results in the Promotion Assessment of Magisterial Scale This study was conducted considering a qualitative approach with a phenomenological approach, in conjunction with some tools of grounded theory. Based on this methodology, five semi-structured interviews were conducted. After the analysis, it was identified that, on the one hand, the interviewees attributed their difficulties in the National Test to the insufficient higher education they received. On the other hand, from their beliefs, some teachers suggested that a single multiple-choice evaluation could be insufficient to determine promotion and, in some cases, they believe that external factors such as luck or dishonest practices explain the results of the evaluation process. / Trabajo de investigación

This study focuses on a secondary contact zone between two sister species of woodrat, Neotoma fuscipes (dusky-footed woodrat) and N. macrotis (big-eared woodrat). Along the Nacimiento River, on the border of southern Monterey and northern San Luis Obispo counties, the ranges of these sister species of woodrats meet and overlap forming a secondary contact zone. The zone of secondary contact is estimated to include a 500-meter (~1,650 linear feet) portion of the Nacimiento River riparian corridor. This research examines quantifiable morphological change that is likely associated with heightened inter-specific competition within the contact zone. When in sympatry the sister species may compete for resources indirectly through exploitative competition, or directly through contest competition, or through a combination of these two processes. The prediction that heightened competition has resulted in distinctive morphological character shifts between allopatric and sympatric populations was tested my examining size and shape of adult woodrats along a 20-kilometer transect. It was confirmed that adults woodrats of the two sister taxa are morphologically distinct (N = 602) and that the phallus morphology was indeed a reliable means to identify adult male woodrats as to species (p < 0.0001, N = 331). A two model approach was used to examine convergence and divergence in size and shape of woodrats across the transect. Neotoma fuscipes exhibited a statistically significant divergerence from N. macrotis with regard to breadth of rostrum (p < 0.0001, N = 414) in a region of sympatry along the Nacimiento River. Based on the results on one statistical model, N. macrotis exhibited a statistically significant convergence with regard to body-size (p = 0.0240, N = 587) and length of hind foot (p < 0.0001, N = 563) towards those of N. fuscipes between zones of sympatry and allopatry. Alternatively, based on the results of a second statistical model that accounted for environmental variation within the system both species exhibited a statistically significant divergence with regard to body-size (p = 0.0054, N = 587) and towards that of N. fuscipes between zones of sympatry and allopatry. Also, N. macrotis exhibited a statistically significant convergence with regard to length of ear (p = 0.0022, N = 563) towards that of N. fuscipes. Based on the results of both models, detectable re-patterning of size-independent traits was observed to varying degrees. The morphological character shifts between sympatric populations and allopatric populations of woodrats suggest that ecological interactions between the species are occuring. Specifically, across the contact zone, patterns of variation in body-size and other morphological character traits are consistent with expectations of a combination of contest and exploitative competition.

Background: Public safety personnel (PSP) such as paramedics and police are exposed to traumatic situations which increases their risk for mental health issues. However, many PSP do not seek help in a timely manner. Peer support interventions have the potential to decrease stigma and increase treatment-seeking behaviours among PSP. However, little is known regarding how the organizational culture of public safety organizations (PSOs) may affect the implementation of a peer-based intervention. This study aims to understand the extent to which organizational culture, including masculinity contest cultures (MCC), within Canadian PSOs affects implementation of PeerOnCall, a new peer support app for PSP. Methods: A multiple case study design was adopted, integrating semi-structured interviews and a standardized MCC scale completed with organizational champions from three PSOs. Two to three champions from each PSO acted as key informants regarding their organizations. Interviews explored champions’ perceptions of how organizational culture might shape implementation. Interview data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Interview data were also triangulated with MCC scale data to understand the extent to which an MCC exists and is important to consider when implementing this app-based intervention. Results: Interviews with champions resulted in the construction of four themes. The first theme focused on external drivers of organizational culture shift, while the second theme focused on internal drivers. The third theme focused on how culture can create resistance to implementation. The fourth theme emphasized that culturally competent implementation strategies could overcome this resistance Most participants perceived their organization to have low-to-moderate levels of MCC. Discussion/Conclusions: Each organization had a unique and changing culture, as evidenced through its cultural artifacts, beliefs, and values. Understanding how culture shapes implementation of PeerOnCall can guide the creation of contextually relevant strategies that optimize implementation of PeerOnCall within PSOs. Recommendations for strategies and further study are provided. / Thesis / Master of Public Health (MPH) / This multi-site case study explores how first responder culture influences implementation of the PeerOnCall peer support app. Interviews and surveys were conducted with seven workplace champions from one police and two paramedic organization(s). Interviews explored organizational culture in general while surveys focused on masculinity contest culture specifically. It was observed that: external and internal drivers of culture shift have created a window of opportunity for PeerOnCall implementation; cultures of mistrust, skepticism & apathy, and hegemonic masculinity can create resistance to implementation; and culturally competent implementation strategies can overcome this. Traditional norms of masculinity appeared to be changing within the organizations. While public safety organizations’ cultures have been studied, this study links culture to the implementation of a specific intervention and offers nuance to the issue of masculinity contest cultures. Findings can inform the creation of culturally competent strategies that optimize the implementation of resources such as PeerOnCall among first responders.

Initially founded in 1955 as a platform for Dutch photojournalists to increase international exposure, the World Press Photo competition has grown into the most prestigious contest of photojournalism worldwide, making it an important arena for journalism research. Using qualitative and quantitative content analyses, this study examines all photos shown in the competitions from 1960 to 2020 (N = 11,789) considering the origin of jury members (N = 686), participants (N = 132,800), placements (N = 2347) and the Human Development Index (HDI) of the countries. The topics displayed on the photos, their degree of negativity, and potential power structures in the photos are analysed over time both in terms of continental and HDI-related differences. Significant results show that Africa, Asia, and South America are more frequently depicted by the topic conflict and characterised by negative images than continents with industrialised nations (Australia/Oceania, Europe, North America). Participating European countries have a significantly higher average number of jury members, participants, and placements than participating countries from Africa, Asia, and South America, which seems to account for a dominant Eurocentric view. Implications and critical discussions are summarized in three interim conclusions at the end of this extended paper.

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This thesis examines the extent to which European journalistic coverage of the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) supports the nation branding of individual countries, focusing on Ukraine's participation during 2016 and 2022. Through an analysis of 16 selected articles from British and Swedish media outlets, the study investigates how Swedish and British media outlets report on how Ukraine's portrayal in the ESC contributes to its nation branding efforts. Drawing upon theoretical frameworks of strategic narrative and nation branding, the research explores two main questions: To what extent does media coverage support Ukraine's nation branding in the ESC? And has there been any change in coverage since 2016? Furthermore, the study reflects on why nation branding within the profession of journalism has become accepted and not questioned, examining the implications for the profession and its role in society. Through a qualitative narrative analysis based on the concept of framing, two distinct narratives were revealed: "Ukraine's Resistance Against Oppression and Invasion" and "Support and Solidarity from Europe." The findings demonstrate differences in reporting between Swedish and British media, with shifts in focus observed between 2022 and 2016. This study underscores the role of media in shaping perceptions and nation branding, offering insights into the dynamics of strategic narratives and media influence, and the evolving role of journalism in society.

This thesis examines Nietzsche’s relationship to Socrates through his positive philosophy of education, arguing that the latter is crucial to resolving the apparent contradictions of the former. While there is a good deal of literature dealing with Nietzsche’s criticisms of the educational system of his day, there is relatively little on his own account of what education should be. I point out that the Greek conception of agon (roughly “contest” in English), is central to Nietzsche’s understanding of education, and informs his ideal of the student-mentor relationship. This is the model on which, I contend, Nietzsche’s relation to Socrates needs to be interpreted. Such an interpretation helps to make sense of, and reconcile, the divergent pictures of Socrates Nietzsche presents in his texts, which are sometimes admiring and imitative, sometimes hostile and contemptuous, and have led to conflicting interpretations within the scholarship on this subject. My analysis aims to shed new light on both the figure of Nietzsche’s Socrates, and Nietzsche’s philosophy of education, by relating these to one another.

Syftet med denna studie är att analysera de fyra senaste nordiska vinnarbidragen i Eurovision Song Contest, för att se om det föreligger återkommande mönster, normativa könsstereotyper och hur makt uttrycks i tävlingen. Genom multimodala analyser av dessa bidrag med fokus på kön och makt, kommer följande frågeställningar att besvaras: Hur ser den multimodala gestaltningen ut inom de fyra senaste nordiska vinnarbidragen i Eurovision Song Contest? Samt: Hur representeras kvinnor respektive män i de olika bidragen? Som material för analyserna har Youtube-klipp på samtliga bidrag använts, där det multimediala har analyserats genom multimodala analyser. Efter dessa analyser blir sammanfattningen att det finns återkommande mönster och könsstereotyper inom ESC, där männen ofta tilldelas makt medan kvinnor i stället är den mer försumbara. Dessa mönster och stereotyper ser vi inte givetvis vid första inblicken av ett bidrag, utan genom att göra djupare multimodala analyser. / The primary aim of this study is to examine and analyze how different media (multimedia or mixed media) in the Eurovision Song Contest work togheter when combined. The expectation is to see if there are reocurring themes and patterns in the representation of the Nordic countries in the ESC with a main focus on gender bias and authority. Four different winning entries from the Eurovision Song Contest performed by the Nordic countries have been chosen and analyzed. The thesis in this essay is that there are patterns in the representation of different countries in the ESC, and that there also may occur stereotypical gender bias. Therefore the key questions have been the following: What does the multimodal impersonation of the latest four Nordic winners in the ESC look like? And: What does the representation of men and women look like? Youtube-videos have been used as material to analyse these performances by doing multimodal analyses. This study indicates that there are occuring gender bias and stereotypes in the ESC, and also reoccuring patterns in the representation of the Nordic countries as a geographical area. We can not see this by the first glimpse, but through deeper multiodal analyses.

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