Researcher ORCID Identifier
0009-0006-0992-7234
Graduation Year
2026
Date of Submission
4-2026
Document Type
Open Access Senior Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Reader 1
Dr. Megan Zirnstein
Reader 2
Dr. Lise Abrams
Terms of Use & License Information
Rights Information
2026 Elijah Emory-Muhammad
Abstract
This study investigates how different prosocial video game designs influence subsequent altruistic behavior, specifically comparing interactive narratives with procedural rhetoric. While prior research demonstrates that prosocial games can prime helpful behaviors, less is known about the underlying mechanical structures driving these effects. Fifteen participants engaged with either an Interactive Narrative Game (ING) or a Procedural Rhetoric Game (PRG) before completing a resource allocation task (Dictator Game). Results revealed no statistically significant differences between the two conditions in promoting sacrificial altruism or satisfying basic psychological needs. Instead, participants across both groups demonstrated a strong adherence to an equality-seeking norm, consistently choosing fair resource splits over sacrificial ones. This study was limited by a small sample size and brief gameplay duration. However, these findings suggest that neither game could significantly encourage self-sacrifice. Ultimately, this work highlights the need for cognitive scientists and game developers to distinguish between fairness and sacrificial altruism when designing interactive digital environments.
Recommended Citation
Emory-Muhammad, Elijah, "Procedural Rhetoric and Prosociality: How Game Mechanics Shape Altruistic Decision-Making" (2026). CMC Senior Theses. 4219.
https://scholarship.claremont.edu/cmc_theses/4219
Included in
Behavioral Economics Commons, Cognitive Science Commons, Digital Humanities Commons, Other Film and Media Studies Commons, Philosophy of Mind Commons, Social Justice Commons
