Group Competition and Human Cooperation
Author Information
Author(s): Puurtinen Mikael, Mappes Tapio
Primary Institution: University of Jyväskylä
Hypothesis
Does competition between groups increase cooperation within those groups?
Conclusion
Competition between groups significantly increases within-group cooperation and overall productivity.
Supporting Evidence
- Cooperation levels were higher in the group competition treatment than in the public goods treatment.
- Overall productivity was greater in the presence of group competition.
- Feelings of anger towards free riders were significantly higher in the group competition treatment.
- Feelings of guilt from uncooperative actions were also higher in the group competition treatment.
Takeaway
When groups compete against each other, people work together better within their own group.
Methodology
The study involved 192 students playing a decision-making game under two conditions: public goods and public goods with group competition.
Potential Biases
The anonymity of subjects and restructuring of groups every round may have influenced emotional responses.
Limitations
The experiment was limited to zero-sum competitive interactions and did not account for scenarios where both groups could benefit.
Participant Demographics
192 students from various faculties at the University of Jyväskylä.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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