Tit for tat

High school (ages 12+)
Thinking & Learning

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/tit-for-tat

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the earliest recorded instance?1558
2. What is the game theory archetype?A foundational strategy in iterated Prisoner's Dilemma
3. How does tit for tat help people play fair in games?In games like the Prisoner's Dilemma, tit for tat works by first cooperating and then mirroring the opponent's last move. This keeps the game fair and helps both players work together.
4. Why do animals use something like tit for tat?Animals also use a similar idea. For example, vampire bats share blood meals, and cleaner fish clean parasites off bigger fish, knowing the favor will be returned later.

Iterated Prisoner's Dilemma: A game theory scenario where players repeatedly choose to cooperate or defect.
Reciprocal altruism: A biological and social strategy where individuals help each other with the expectation of future reciprocation.
Defection: In game theory, choosing not to cooperate when cooperation is expected or beneficial.