Human preference for nonconflict vs conflict situations

Abstract

Ss responded in two conditions, one of eonflict and one of nonconflict. In the conflict condition, responding both added and subtracted points, while in the nonconflict condition. responding only added points. The net gain in points, however, was equal in both situations. After 10 sessions of responding in both conditions, Ss could control which was in effect by pressing a second manipulandum. Response rates were slightly higher in the nonconflict condition than in the conflicL The responses to change to the nonconflict condition, however, were much greater than those to change to the conflict condition.