Back to Search Start Over

Cooperation due to cultural norms, not individual reputation

Authors :
Baum, William M.
Paciotti, Brian
Richerson, Peter
Lubell, Mark
McElreath, Richard
Source :
Behavioural Processes. Sep2012, Vol. 91 Issue 1, p90-93. 4p.
Publication Year :
2012

Abstract

Abstract: Increased cooperation in groups that are allowed to communicate (engage in “cheap talk”) has been attributed to reputation-building and to cultural norms or culturally normal behavior. We tested these two theories by exposing groups of undergraduates to a public-goods social dilemma. Five groups were permitted to communicate via anonymous written messages that were read aloud. The groups with messaging contributed substantially more to the common good than the groups without messaging. Because the messages were anonymous, their efficacy cannot be explained by effects on reputation. Instead, the results point to the participants’ histories of giving and receiving exhortations to cooperate – i.e., to culturally normal behavior (cultural norms). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
03766357
Volume :
91
Issue :
1
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Behavioural Processes
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
77962757
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beproc.2012.06.001