Summary: the evolution of cooperation in biology is challenging because those who always help others can be exploited by those who don't give back. It's been suggested that cooperation can survive if helpers stop assisting defectors. However, in group settings, this approach can harm defectors and other helpers. Our study shows that cooperation is more likely to succeed when helpers tolerate some level of selfishness, and we identified the optimal amount of tolerance for cooperation to evolve.
Example: In a group project, the project might fail if hard workers refuse to help those who contribute less. However, if they tolerate some slacking, the group is more likely to succeed overall.
Summary: The evolution of cooperation is a key challenge in human societies, where individuals often face dilemmas between acting selfishly or contributing to the common good. This study reveals that cooperation is most likely to emerge and persist when pivotal "turning points" occur - moments when individuals collectively shift from competitive to cooperative behaviors. Shared experiences, trust-building interactions, and mutual recognition of interdependence influence these transitions. Importantly, these turning points help align individual incentives with group benefits, creating sustainable cooperation.
Example: In a neighborhood cleanup initiative, participation might initially be low due to skepticism. However, a turning point—such as visible improvements or the involvement of respected community members—can catalyze a wave of cooperation, inspiring more residents to contribute actively.
Summary: In this landmark experiment, participants were given either an oxytocin nasal spray or a placebo before playing a “trust game.” The game involves one person (the investor) deciding how much money to send to another (the trustee), with any amount sent being multiplied. The trustee then decides how much to send back. The study found that individuals who received oxytocin were significantly more trusting and sent more money than those who received the placebo. This suggests that oxytocin can reduce fear of betrayal and increase cooperative behavior.
Example: Imagine a crowdfunding scenario. An innovator pitches a project to potential backers. Those with higher oxytocin levels (or heightened trust) might be more willing to invest in the new venture, even if they risk losing their funds. This collective trust can bring the project to fruition, benefiting everyone involved when the venture succeeds.
Summary: The Robbers Cave Experiment, conducted by Muzafer Sherif and colleagues in 1954, investigated intergroup conflict and cooperation among 22 eleven-year-old boys at a summer camp in Oklahoma. Initially, the boys were divided into two groups, the "Eagles" and the "Rattlers," and engaged in activities to foster group identity. When introduced to competitive tasks with limited resources, the groups developed hostility and negative perceptions toward each other. However, when faced with challenges that required mutual cooperation to achieve common goals, such as restoring the camp's water supply, the boys worked together, leading to reduced tensions and improved intergroup relations. This study led to the development of Realistic Conflict Theory, which posits that intergroup conflict arises when groups compete for limited resources, but such conflict can be mitigated through cooperative efforts toward shared objectives. Wikipedia+6Simply Psychology+6Wikipedia+6
Example: Consider two departments within a company competing for a limited budget. This competition fosters rivalry and negative perceptions between the departments. However, if both departments collaborate on a project that benefits the entire company, requiring pooled resources and joint effort, this cooperation can alleviate tensions and promote a more harmonious working relationship.
Identity and Emergency Intervention: How Social Group Membership and Inclusiveness of Group Boundaries Shape Helping Behavior
Mark Levine, Amy Prosser, David Evans, Stephen Reicher
Summary: This study explored how social group membership influences helping behavior in emergency situations. In the first experiment, Manchester United fans were primed to think about their team identity. They then encountered a staged scenario where an individual, wearing either a Manchester United jersey (in-group), a Liverpool jersey (rival out-group), or a plain shirt (neutral), appeared to be injured. Results showed that participants were significantly more likely to assist the in-group member than the out-group or neutral individual. In a second experiment, participants were primed with a broader football fan identity. Under this condition, they were more likely to help both in-group and rival team members over neutral individuals. These findings suggest that the salience and inclusiveness of social identities can significantly impact prosocial behavior. SAGE Journals
Example: Imagine a workplace where employees strongly identify with their specific departments, leading to favoritism in collaborative projects. However, if the company fosters a broader organizational identity, employees may become more inclined to support colleagues across different departments, enhancing overall cooperation and success.