Interindividual-Intergroup Discontinuity in the Prisoner's Dilemma Game

Abstract

The present research involved an examination of interindividual-intergroup discontinuity in the context of three different generalizations of the prisoner's dilemma game (PDG). (Interindividual-intergroup discontinuity is the tendency of intergroup relations to be more competitive and less cooperative than interindividual relations.) Experiment 1 used a multi-prisoner's dilemma (MPD) game to compare interaction between three individuals with interaction between three groups. Results revealed just as much discontinuity between three players (MPD) as between two players (PDG). Experiment 2 used the approach of n-person games to examine two further generalizations from the PDG. One generalization involved the intergroup public goods (IPG) game, and the other the intergroup prisoner's dilemma (IPD) game. With both games, it was found that groups were more competitive than individuals. It was also found that discussion between groups is characterized by a higher frequency of fear and greed statements than is discussion between individuals.