APS
2022 APS Annual Convention · 2022
Picking Sides in a Fight Is a Coin Flip: Layperson MMA Fight Outcome Predictions Perform No Better Than Chance
- Jerome Lewis
Bellevue University - Jefferson Sherwood
University of Southern Mississippi - Zachary Himmelberger
Maryville College - J. Dean Elmore
Benedictine College
Abstract
Determining others’ physical prowess serves an evolutionary purpose. Individuals predict others’ deceptiveness and aggressiveness above chance from appearance alone. Our study asked participants to pick the winner of a mixed martial arts fight. Participants performed at chance levels, but favored specific fighters, indicating a prediction strategy exists but was ineffective.
Decision Making
