Topic 7 - Cooperation Flashcards
What is the social psychology approach to cooperation?
It’s the idea that cooperation is needed to conform to group norms (insufficient).
What are the 5 mechanisms for the evolution of cooperation?
Kin selection, direct reciprocity, indirect reciprocity/reputation, group/network reciprocity, group selection.
How does the kin selection mechanism explain the evolution of cooperation?
It’s the based on the idea that we cooperate with kin because they share are genes, improving the odds of our genes to be passed on. It’s based on Hamilton’s rule/number.
What does Hamilton’s rule say?
Hamilton’s rule says that natural selection can favour cooperations if the cooperators are related (r > c/b).
What is an example of cooperation by kin selection?
Alarm calls in squirrels. The squirrel puts itself at risk, but kin might survive. The call changes if relatives aren’t around.
How does the direct reciprocity mechanism explain the evolution of cooperation?
It’s based on the idea that if I do something for you, you’ll do something for me. It’s a strong motivator, but it relies on repeated encounters.
How does the indirect reciprocity/reputation mechanism explain the evolution of cooperation?
It’s based on the idea of creating a reputation. If I do something for you today, you’ll do something for me eventually. It requires large cognitive demands. The opposite can lead to social defection.
What is an example of the indirect reciprocity/reputation mechanism?
Leaving a review.
How does the network reciprocity mechanism explain the evolution of cooperation?
It’s based on the idea that individuals will form cluster to outcompete defectors.
How does the group selection mechanism explain the evolution of cooperation?
It’s the idea that group of the same species will tend to cooperate to outcompete one another. Basically kin selection but for groups. It’s a limited/controversial view.
What is the mechanism that actually justifies the evolution of cooperation?
Considered that natural selection favours competition/defectors, there is no single explanation, it’s probably a mix of all 5.
What is punishment used for?
It’s used to enforce cooperation.
What is altruistic/costly punishment?
It’s when an individual sacrifices something in order to punish another individual.
What is an animal example of costly punishment?
The monkey who throws the cucumber back.
What is the role of interaction in cooperation?
Interaction is fundamental, it allows species to cooperate. When absent, example of the public goods game, the community does not benefit.
