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Group Size and Cooperation

Author

Listed:
  • Henry Hamburger

    (School of Social Sciences University of California, Irvine)

  • Melvin Guyer

    (Department of Psychiatry University of Michigan)

  • John Fox

    (Department of Psychology University of Alberta)

Abstract

To compare the effects of group size on cooperation, we introduce a class of simple multiperson games. These games can be regarded as n-person generalizations of the two-person prisoner's dilemma with expected value payoffs. In order to ensure that identical expected-value monetary alternatives are available to players in different-sized groups, we introduced a certain formal constraint on payoffs. Results of an experimental study comparing three-and seven-person groups show that the smaller-sized group is markedly more cooperative than the larger group. The primary emphasis of this paper is methodological. It demonstrates a technique to measure cooperation as a function of group size unconfounded by role-playing and utility considerations.

Suggested Citation

  • Henry Hamburger & Melvin Guyer & John Fox, 1975. "Group Size and Cooperation," Journal of Conflict Resolution, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 19(3), pages 503-531, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jocore:v:19:y:1975:i:3:p:503-531
    DOI: 10.1177/002200277501900307
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    Cited by:

    1. Kamei, Kenju, 2020. "Group size effect and over-punishment in the case of third party enforcement of social norms," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 175(C), pages 395-412.
    2. Lucas Wardil & Marco Antonio Amaral, 2017. "Cooperation in Public Goods Games: Stay, But Not for Too Long," Games, MDPI, vol. 8(3), pages 1-10, August.
    3. Antoni Bosch-Domènech & Joaquim Silvestre, 2017. "The role of frames, numbers and risk in the frequency of cooperation," International Review of Economics, Springer;Happiness Economics and Interpersonal Relations (HEIRS), vol. 64(3), pages 245-267, September.
    4. Yukalov, V.I., 1977. "Quantum crystal with jumps of particles," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 89(2), pages 363-372.
    5. Chen, Yefeng & Jiang, Shuguang & Villeval, Marie Claire, 2016. "The Tragedy of Corruption," IZA Discussion Papers 10175, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    6. Andreas P. Kyriacou, 2011. "Rational Irrationality and Group Size: The Effect of Biased Beliefs on Individual Contributions Towards Collective Goods," American Journal of Economics and Sociology, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 70(1), pages 109-130, January.
    7. Bornstein, Gary & Kugler, Tamar & Budescu, David V. & Selten, Reinhard, 2008. "Repeated price competition between individuals and between teams," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 66(3-4), pages 808-821, June.

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