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Symmetry and the Illusion of Control as Bases for Cooperative Behavior

Author

Listed:
  • Jeffrey Goldberg

    (jeffrey@goldmark.org)

  • Lívia Markoczy

    (A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management at the University of California Riverside, livia@goldmark.org)

  • G. Lawrence Zahn

    (A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management at the University of California Riverside, lawrence.zahn@ucr.edu)

Abstract

The existence of cooperation in the face of temptation to free ride requires explanation. We discuss two psychological phenomena, ‘symmetry’ and ‘the illusion of control,’ which we believe underlie the ‘what if everyone acted that way’ type of reasoning used in some types of cooperation. We provide a simple model of how these lead to cooperation. We also show how some bizarre causal beliefs, such as effect preceding cause, can follow from these phenomena. We look at some existing evidence for these phenomena and report on our studies which support the model.

Suggested Citation

  • Jeffrey Goldberg & Lívia Markoczy & G. Lawrence Zahn, 2005. "Symmetry and the Illusion of Control as Bases for Cooperative Behavior," Rationality and Society, , vol. 17(2), pages 243-270, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ratsoc:v:17:y:2005:i:2:p:243-270
    DOI: 10.1177/1043463105055431
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    3. Ken Binmore, 1994. "Game Theory and the Social Contract, Volume 1: Playing Fair," MIT Press Books, The MIT Press, edition 1, volume 1, number 0262023636, December.
    4. Steven J. Brams, 1975. "Newcomb's Problem and Prisoners' Dilemma," Journal of Conflict Resolution, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 19(4), pages 596-612, December.
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