The present study investigated whether the precision of instructions alter the effects of reinforcement inequity. Thirty university students, separated in dyads, chose between working alone or competing with their partner. During the individual alternative, points were distributed equally between participants; during the competitive alternative, points distribution was manipulated across conditions such that Participant 1 received a greater number of points than Participant 2, and vice-versa. The dyads received complete information on points distribution (precise instruction group), vague information indicating only that sometimes one participant would win more points than the other (imprecise instruction group), or no information about points distribution (no instruction group). Imprecise instruction produced an accentuated choice for competition for both participants while the precise instruction generated choices that changed with manipulations in inequity. In the absence of instructions, both results were observed. It was concluded that precise instruction generated more efficient strategies of escape and avoidance from inequity.
competition; instruction; inequity
