Framing mediator decisions through the development of expectations: A range-frequency explanation
An integration of range-frequency theory, a theory of psychophysical judgment, and prospect theory, a theory of choice behavior under risk, is proposed. A critical assumption of prospect theory is that the reference point, which guides the riskiness of choice behavior, is modeled after Helson's (1964) adaptation level notion. It is proposed that range-frequency theory, which represents a more sophisticated adaptation level theory, provides a better representation of the reference point. Specifically, range-frequency theory was used to explain the setting of the reference point, the forming of global and specific judgments, and the riskiness of choice behavior on the basis of previously experienced gains and losses. The integration was tested within the context of mediation to examine mediator judgment and choice behavior. Effects on the reference point, judgment, and choice were also predicted from the differential weighting of gains and losses as a function of time. A computer-based mediation task was performed using 281 college students. The results revealed some of the dynamic processes that operate in mediation. These results generally support the proposed integration, but suggest that mediator judgment and behavior may be more complex than implied by the integration. Less support was found for effects involving the temporal weighting of gains and losses. Hypotheses concerning the asymmetric adaptation of the reference point as a function of range-frequency and temporal weighting effects were not supported. Implications for both behavioral decision theory and dispute resolution are discussed.