EFFECTS DIFFERENT REINFORCEMENT CONTINGENCIES IN DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL COOPERATION

In a series of five experiments, several reinforcement contingencies were evaluated as to their relative effectiveness in establishing and maintaining a behavioral pattern of social cooperation. Children, ranging from 5 to 10 years of age, were divided into six three-member groups. The data indicate that the highest group response rate is produced when positive reinforcement is provided to each of the group members, contingent upon the cooperative act, provided there is some form of individual feedback for appropriate individual responses. This particular reinforcement contingency, besides producing the highest group response rate, also resulted in the emergence of separate behavior patterns or roles for the members comprising each of the groups. © 1968.