Social Influence and Entrapment

Abstract

Taken together, the results described in the previous two chapters provide a useful first step in identifying some antecedents of entrapment. A more complete analysis, however, should consider the interpersonal factors that affect such escalation decisions. Note that in most entrapment situations there exist or could exist a “cast of characters,” each of whom may influence the decision makers’ degree of entrapment For instance, in some entrapment situations decision makers must compete against another person or group in order to reach their objectives, while in other circumstances decision makers must “compete” against a nonsocial entity (e.g., chance). Is entrapment more apt to occur under one condition rather than the other?