The study of human interaction when playing rock-paper-scissors

Abstract

It has been suggested the mirror neuron system provides an important neural substrate for humans‟ ability to imitate. Thus, the purpose of this experiment was to measure whether you can predict winning and losing frequencies in games of rock-paper-scissors (RPS), using techniques governed by the known effects of mirror neurons and imitation. Winning and Losing sequences were created for the experimenters use against participants, and Autistic-spectrum-quotient measures were taken to determine whether autism affects imitation. Results found no significant difference in the two sequences and no correlation between participants‟ autism scores and their imitation levels. This suggests participants didn‟t show significant imitation in RPS, possibly due to specific strategies participants used or the competitive scenario. These implications are discussed further.