Question

Because of the violent nature of the sport, professional American football players are at risk of suffering concussions (or brain injuries) during the violent collisions that occur between players during the game. Violent collisions involving hits to the head are particularly risky. Suppose the commissioner of the National Football League (NFL) institutes a rule requiring players to wear a new, lighter helmet that is designed to reduce head trauma during collisions between players on the field. While the new helmets _____ the probability of a concussion resulting from each individual collision, at the same time the new helmets could also give football players an incentive to play more ______ , which could potentially ____ the amount of violent collisions and thus the number of concussions suffered by NFL players, all else equal.

Answer 1

Answer:

While the new helmets decrease the probability of a concussion resulting from each individual collision, at the same time the new helmets could also give football players an incentive to play more recklessly, which could potentially increase the amount of violent collisions and thus the number of concussions suffered by NFL players, all else equal.

Explanation:

The human factor is an important matter to consider in matters like these.

Technical solutions, like the introduction of new helmets, may improve the situation when it comes to equipment, but it is the fact that players know that new helmets are stronger and thus they are more protected, would result in a new reckless behavior.

With the introduction of new helmets, players would become less motivated to play carefully, because they would know that the new helmets allow them to do so. The curious question would be to ask is this one. If players do not know that their helmets are safer, would they play more recklessly or not?