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PSI CHI: The International Honor Society in Psychology

The International Honor Society in Psychology

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Skill or Luck: The Statistical Interpretation of “No Limit Texas Hold’em” Players

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by Dana Keener - California University Of Pennsylvania

Category: Perception


The present study investigated differences in statistical knowledge. Thirty male “No Limit Texas Hold’em” players were asked if they viewed this game as one of skill or luck. Participants read 10 mock situations in which they had to choose the percentage that best resembled their chance of beating their opponent. The results showed that the players who classified “No Limit Texas Hold’em” as a game of skill correctly interpreted more statistical questions, and the participants who classified it as luck were more likely to incorrectly view their hand as winning 50% of the time.  Consistent with predictions, the skill players exhibited more statistical knowledge and the luck players were more likely to view the situations as a coin flip.

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Faculty Supervisor: Rebecca Regeth, California University Of Pennsylvania 

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