Factors affecting entrapment in waiting situations: The Rosencrantz and Guildenstern effect

72 undergraduates took part in an experimental study of entrapment, in which the passage of time could be viewed either as an investment (increasing the likelihood of goal attainment) or as an expense. Ss were given an opportunity to win a large sum of money (the jackpot), which decreased in value over time. To win the jackpot, a series of crossword puzzle words had to be solved, some of which were so difficult that the use of a necessary, scarce resource (a crossword dictionary) was required. To obtain the use of this resource, Ss had to wait "in line" until it became available, which it never did. 3 variables were varied in a 2 * 2 * 2 design: rate of decrement of the jackpot, availability of a chart providing continuous information about this decrement, and information concerning Ss' (presumed) position in line for the dictionary. Entrapment in this waiting conflict was found to be high overall and was further heightened when (a) the size of the jackpot decreased slowly rather than rapidly, (b) no payoff chart was made available, and (c) Ss were told they were first rather than third in line for the dictionary.