Conditional Cooperation Research Articles

Social preferences and the variability of conditional cooperation

AbstractWe experimentally examine how incentives affect conditional cooperation (i.e., cooperating in response to cooperation and defecting in response to defection) in social dilemmas. In our first study, subjects play eight Sequential Prisoner’s Dilemma games with varying payoffs. We elicit second mover strategies and find that most second movers conditionally cooperate in some games and free ride in others. The rate of conditional cooperation is higher when the own gain from defecting is lower and when the loss imposed on the first mover by defecting is higher. This pattern is consistent with both social preference models and stochastic choice models. In a second study subjects play 64 social dilemma games, and we jointly estimate noise and social preference parameters at the individual level. Most of our subjects place significantly positive weight on others’ payoffs, supporting the underlying role of social preferences in conditional cooperation. Our results suggest that conditional cooperation is not a fixed trait but rather a symptom of the interaction between game incentives and underlying social preferences.

Explanation of the phenomenon of agroindustrial cooperation: general theoretical and sectoral contexts

The theoretical and methodological apparatus of scientific approaches (economic, interdisciplinary) is analyzed in terms of revealing the general theoretical context of the phenomenon of cooperation (preconditions, mechanics of manifestation, effects). Conclusions are drawn about the development of scientific understanding of its functions and role. The prototypes of the models of cooperative relations are established, the chronological order of change is determined, their – content is revealed. The evolutionary stages of development of the theory of agrarian cooperation are substantiated. The peculiarities of modification of methodological models of analysis of cooperation in modern conditions of scientific search are determined, the synthesized description of the studied category is given.

Support of Educational Associates and Self-Efficacy for Teacher Cooperation

The aim of this research is to determine the differences in the individual components of self-assessed self-efficacy for teachers' cooperation, taking into consideration whether educational associates provide them with adequate support in working with students with disabilities or not. In addition to the calculation of basic statistical parameters, in data processing, multivariate analysis of variance, t-test and discrimination analysis were used to calculate the differences between the observed groups. The obtained results show the presence of statistically significant differences in separate components of self-assessed self-efficacy for cooperation between teachers, taking into consideration whether educational associates provide them with adequate support in working with students with disabilities or not. The differences are evident both on the manifest and latent levels. However, the variables in which teachers who receive support from educational associates show a higher level of self-efficacy for cooperation mostly relate to administrative-organizational support and freedom of expression of opinion, so it is necessary to better conceptualize this cooperation and its components, as well as the factors affecting it. The contribution of this research is twofold. It consists in acquiring results that allow insight into the structure of self-assessed self-efficacy of teachers working in inclusive conditions in the area of one region in Croatia. On the other side, this work contributes to the interpretation of the possible connection between specific components of teacher self-efficacy for cooperation in inclusive conditions with factors that could influence it when it comes to the support of educational associates.

A simple twist of fate. An experiment on election uncertainty and democratic institutions

In this paper we study electoral systems in an experimental governance game in which citizens contribute to a public good and policymakers decide how to distribute it. In the Voting condition, citizens receive information about the policymaker performance (how much she shared of the public good with individual participants), her skills and her altruism, and vote directly for a policymaker for the next election cycle. In the Referendum condition voters receive information about the policymaker's performance before deciding whether to remove her from office in a simpler binary choice (in or out). If they decide to remove the incumbent, a new policymaker is chosen randomly from the remaining group members, in the spirit of referendums like Brexit or the plebiscite about the peace agreements in Colombia. We compare these two electoral mechanisms with two baselines in which the policymaker is never replaced (Baseline) and another one (Random) in which the policymaker is always randomly replaced by another participant. Our results show that both electoral mechanisms are largely effective in improving citizens’ earnings by generating more equitable sharing rules. Citizens in Voting and Referendum extract greater surplus from policymakers than in the other conditions and voting against a candidate (Referendum) is more effective in increasing surplus than voting for a candidate (Voting). Contributions to the public good and conditional cooperation patterns remain strikingly similar in democratic (Referendum and Voting) and non-democratic (Baseline and Random) conditions. Empirical expectations about contributions of other citizens are similar as well. However, we show that policymakers distribute the public good differently in democratic institutions, and more effectively in Referendum than in Voting, as policymakers use clientelist transfers to avoid being replaced. Overall, both democratic institutions are effective in improving citizens’ payoffs by indirectly limiting policymakers’ surplus.

Testing Models of Strategic Uncertainty: Equilibrium Selection in Repeated Games

Abstract In repeated games, where both collusive and non-collusive outcomes can be supported as equilibria, it is crucial to understand the likelihood of selection for each type of equilibrium. Controlled experiments have empirically validated a selection criterion for the two-player repeated prisoner’s dilemma: the basin of attraction for always defect. This prediction device uses the game primitives to measure the set of beliefs for which an agent would prefer to unconditionally defect rather than attempt conditional cooperation. This belief measure reflects strategic uncertainty over others’ actions, where the prediction is for non-cooperative outcomes when the basin measure is full, and cooperative outcomes when empty. We expand this selection notion to multi-player social dilemmas and experimentally test the predictions, manipulating both the total number of players and the payoff tensions. Our results affirm the model as a tool for predicting long-term cooperation while also speaking to some limitations when dealing with first-time encounters.

Forensic expert activity and scientific cooperation in conditions of military aggression of Russian Federation against Ukraine: unity of knowledge and professionalism

Simakova-Yefremian, Е. (2024). Forensic expert activity and scientific cooperation in con-ditions of military aggression of Russian Federation against Ukraine: unity of knowledge and professionalism. Theory and Practice of Forensic Science and Criminalistics. Issue 2 (35). P. 5—9. DOI: 10.32353/khrife.2.2024.01.

THE PHILOSOPHY OF FRATERNITY AND THE FOUNDATIONS OF MORAL SOLIDARITY

Analyzing the historical forms of moral solidarity, one of which is the phenomenon of fraternity and trying to see in this form the foundations of constructive cooperation in modern conditions, we should pay close attention to the underestimated conceptual provisions and mechanisms. We believe that these factors play an important role in overcoming disintegration processes, both at the level of social communication and at the level of the mental foundations of intercultural and intercivilizational communication. The article is devoted to the philosophical foundations of the phenomenon of fraternity, mainly based on the material of European and domestic socio-philosophical reflection. The relevance of this topic is determined by the fact that the current international situation presents new challenges and that Russia is looking for constructive solutions to complex contradictions that have arisen in the international community. On the other hand, the axiological foundations of Russian civilization, which have been its genetic basis for many centuries, require constant philosophical reflection. The article discusses the essential importance of the phenomenon of fraternity for overcoming social disharmony, clarifies the advantages of this form of social interaction over formal cooperation. The methodology of the work is based on a socio-philosophical analysis of the axiological and ethical foundations of various forms of joint human activity. The article attempts to identify the structure-forming foundations of the system of social relations by the example of the phenomenon of fraternity.

Are teams conditionally cooperative? Experimental evidence from a public goods game

We study whether teams are conditional cooperators in a one-shot public goods game and to what extent this conditionality differs from that when decisions are made by individuals. Using a laboratory experiment, we find individuals in teams under a majority rule do not exhibit significantly different levels of conditionally cooperative behavior than individuals in isolation. Whereas individuals in teams under a random ballot rule are less conditionally cooperative than individuals in isolation.

Averting Depletion in a Two-Player Common Pool Resource Game: Being Seen, the Expectation of Future Encounters, and Biophilia Play a Role in Cooperation

AbstractUsing a two-player common pool resource game, we investigated the influence of multiple factors on cooperation: (1) probability of future rounds, (2) visibility of other participants, (3) biophilia, (4) future discounting, and (5) life history. In each round, participants simultaneously and independently (without conferring) decided how much of the common pool to consume. Participants (n = 116) were informed that the shared resource would be fully replenished in the next round—but only if—both players together consumed ≤ 50% of the common pool in the current round. Additionally, participants were told the probability (0–100%) of further rounds of play with the same player (this probability was not real; it was purely to manipulate the player’s expectations). To assess the effect of the probability of future rounds, we developed a mathematical model to predict the threshold that would permit a Nash Equilibrium of Conditional Cooperation (CC). To manipulate visibility, half the pairs were tested in the same room (seen condition) and half in separate rooms (unseen condition). To measure biophilia, the “Nature Relatedness” (NR) scale was used. To measure future discounting, the “consideration of future consequences” (CFC) scale was used. To measure life history, the participant’s UK postcode was obtained (indicating possible residence in a deprived neighbourhood). Participants in our study were not paid. In our results, there was a significant effect showing more cooperation in the visible than not visible condition, but no significant effects of NR, CFC, nor postcodes (but NR was significant in interaction with visibility). For predictability of future rounds, we found a number of significant effects using different tests. A notable result was that there was significantly more CC when the probability of future rounds was ≥ 69% (congruent with one of our model predictions).

The European Union and Israel: political and legal problems of scientific and technological cooperation in modern conditions

The subject of the study is the complications in scientific and technological cooperation (STC) between the EU and Israel due to Israeli military actions in the Gaza area and their extremely negative humanitarian consequences. The purpose of the article is to reveal and systematize the political and legal problems that have arisen in the scientific and technological cooperation between the EU and Israel against the background of the unprecedented escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in 2023-2024. In a consistent form, the authors analyze the legal foundations of Israel's participation in the EU framework programs in the field of STC and determine the degree of its integration into the European Research Space. The specifics of the range of projects involving Israel in the EU framework programs are demonstrated, as well as the discussion points of the possible exclusion of Israel from participation in EU projects and programs in the field of STC are considered. The authors reveal in detail the factors that determine the specifics of the EU's scientific diplomacy towards Israel in the context of the current escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. The achievement of the set goal and the solution of the research tasks was based on the use of the following methodological base: the principle of historicism, the historical and legal method, the formal dogmatic method, the comparative method, the systematic approach, the modeling method and the forecasting method. The authors of the article concluded that there are sufficient legal instruments at the EU level to exclude Israeli scientific institutions and military companies from EU projects that develop dual-use technologies as a measure aimed at forcing Israel to change its policy towards the Gaza Strip. However, the European Commission does not intend to introduce restrictive measures, to adjust its traditional scientific diplomacy towards Israel, or to develop recommendations addressed to European scientific institutions, taking into account the current political situation. A special contribution of the article to the relevant field of research was that the authors explain the EU's position by the action of the following factors, namely the activity of the pro-Israel lobby, Germany's special approach to cooperation with Israel, the lack of unity within the EU academic community and, finally, the prospects for the militarization of European programs in the field of STC.

Molecular stripping underpins derepression of a toxin-antitoxin system.

Transcription factors control gene expression; among these, transcriptional repressors must liberate the promoter for derepression to occur. Toxin-antitoxin (TA) modules are bacterial elements that autoregulate their transcription by binding the promoter in a T:A ratio-dependent manner, known as conditional cooperativity. The molecular basis of how excess toxin triggers derepression has remained elusive, largely because monitoring the rearrangement of promoter-repressor complexes, which underpin derepression, is challenging. Here, we dissect the autoregulation of the Salmonella enterica tacAT3 module. Using a combination of assays targeting DNA binding and promoter activity, as well as structural characterization, we determine the essential TA and DNA elements required to control transcription, and we reconstitute a repression-to-derepression path. We demonstrate that excess toxin triggers molecular stripping of the repressor complex off the DNA through multiple allosteric changes causing DNA distortion and ultimately leading to derepression. Thus, our work provides important insight into the mechanisms underlying conditional cooperativity.

The signaling role of feedback in the repeated public goods game: Experimental evidence from the laboratory.

This paper empirically examines the signaling role of feedback in the repeated public goods game. To eliminate the potential impact of feedback's informative function, we test whether the provision of detailed yet redundant feedback leads to increased contributions. Our findings demonstrate that redundant information significantly promotes contributions. Given the equal informative power in both treatments, the observed increase in contributions can be attributed to the signaling effect. Furthermore, an examination of cooperative disposition heterogeneity reveals that conditional cooperators primarily utilize feedback for its informative function, while free riders primarily exploit it for its signaling function. These results offer empirical evidence of the signaling function of feedback and offer valuable insights into the design of feedback provision in repeated public goods settings.

Conditional Cooperativity in RAS Assembly Pathways on Nanodiscs and Altered GTPase Cycling.

Self-assemblies (i.e., nanoclusters) of the RAS GTPase on the membrane act as scaffolds that activate downstream RAF kinases and drive MAPK signaling for cell proliferation and tumorigenesis. However, the mechanistic details of nanoclustering remain largely unknown. Here, size-tunable nanodisc platforms and paramagnetic relaxation enhancement (PRE) analyses revealed the structural basis of the cooperative assembly processes of fully processed KRAS, mutated in a quarter of human cancers. The cooperativity is modulated by the mutation and nucleotide states of KRAS and the lipid composition of the membrane. Notably, the oncogenic mutants assemble in nonsequential pathways with two mutually cooperative 'α/α' and 'α/β' interfaces, while α/α dimerization of wild-type KRAS promotes the secondary α/β interaction sequentially. Mutation-based interface engineering was used to selectively trap the oligomeric intermediates of KRAS and probe their favorable interface interactions. Transiently exposed interfaces were available for the assembly. Real-time NMR demonstrated that higher-order oligomers retain higher numbers of active GTP-bound protomers in KRAS GTPase cycling. These data provide a deeper understanding of the nanocluster-enhanced signaling in response to the environment. Furthermore, our methodology is applicable to assemblies of many other membrane GTPases and lipid nanoparticle-based formulations of stable protein oligomers with enhanced cooperativity.

Conditional Cooperativity in RAS Assembly Pathways on Nanodiscs and Altered GTPase Cycling

AbstractSelf‐assemblies (i.e., nanoclusters) of the RAS GTPase on the membrane act as scaffolds that activate downstream RAF kinases and drive MAPK signaling for cell proliferation and tumorigenesis. However, the mechanistic details of nanoclustering remain largely unknown. Here, size‐tunable nanodisc platforms and paramagnetic relaxation enhancement (PRE) analyses revealed the structural basis of the cooperative assembly processes of fully processed KRAS, mutated in a quarter of human cancers. The cooperativity is modulated by the mutation and nucleotide states of KRAS and the lipid composition of the membrane. Notably, the oncogenic mutants assemble in nonsequential pathways with two mutually cooperative ‘α/α’ and ‘α/β’ interfaces, while α/α dimerization of wild‐type KRAS promotes the secondary α/β interaction sequentially. Mutation‐based interface engineering was used to selectively trap the oligomeric intermediates of KRAS and probe their favorable interface interactions. Transiently exposed interfaces were available for the assembly. Real‐time NMR demonstrated that higher‐order oligomers retain higher numbers of active GTP‐bound protomers in KRAS GTPase cycling. These data provide a deeper understanding of the nanocluster‐enhanced signaling in response to the environment. Furthermore, our methodology is applicable to assemblies of many other membrane GTPases and lipid nanoparticle‐based formulations of stable protein oligomers with enhanced cooperativity.

What makes cooperation precarious?

Although most people are not outright selfish, cooperation frequently fails. Fischbacher and Gächter (2010) explain the well-established decline of contributions in repeated public good games with a genuine imperfection in conditional cooperation. Reanalyzing their data, we offer a more nuanced explanation. Conditional cooperators are nearly perfect, when others cooperate as well. Yet conditional cooperators strongly react to negative experiences, chiefly caused by selfish individuals. These bad experiences are the main driver for the imperfection in conditional cooperation and thus of the downward trend in contributions in repeated public good games.

Impact of committed minorities: Unveiling critical mass of cooperation in the iterated prisoner's dilemma game

The critical mass effect is a prevailing topic in the study of complex systems. Recent research indicates that a committed minority of cooperators, unwavering in their beliefs and consistently maintaining cooperation, can effectively foster widespread cooperation in social dilemma games. However, achieving a critical mass of cooperation in the one-shot prisoner's dilemma requires stricter conditions. The underlying mechanism behind this effect remains unclear, particularly in the context of repeated interactions. This work aims to investigate the influence of a committed minority on cooperation in the iterated prisoner's dilemma game, a widely studied model of repeated interactions between individuals confronting a social dilemma. In contrast to previous findings, we identify tipping points for both well-mixed and structured populations. Our findings demonstrate that a committed minority of unconditional cooperators can induce full cooperation under weak imitation conditions. Conversely, a committed minority of conditional cooperators, who employ extortion strategy, can promote widespread cooperation under strong imitation conditions. These results are consistent across various network topologies and imitation rules, suggesting that critical mass effects may be a universal principle in social dilemma games. Moreover, we discovered that an excessive density of committed extortioners can hinder cooperation in structured populations. This research advances our understanding of the role of committed minorities in shaping social behavior and provides valuable insights into cooperation dynamics. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Better-than-chance prediction of cooperative behaviour from first and second impressions.

Could cooperation among strangers be facilitated by adaptations that use sparse information to accurately predict cooperative behaviour? We hypothesise that predictions are influenced by beliefs, descriptions, appearance and behavioural history available for first and second impressions. We also hypothesise that predictions improve when more information is available. We conducted a two-part study. First, we recorded thin-slice videos of university students just before their choices in a repeated Prisoner's Dilemma with matched partners. Second, a worldwide sample of raters evaluated each player using videos, photos, only gender labels or neither images nor labels. Raters guessed players' first-round Prisoner's Dilemma choices and then their second-round choices after reviewing first-round behavioural histories. Our design allows us to investigate incremental effects of gender, appearance and behavioural history gleaned during first and second impressions. Predictions become more accurate and better-than-chance when gender, appearance or behavioural history is added. However, these effects are not incrementally cumulative. Predictions from treatments showing player appearance were no more accurate than those from treatments revealing gender labels and predictions from videos were no more accurate than those from photos. These results demonstrate how people accurately predict cooperation under sparse information conditions, helping explain why conditional cooperation is common among strangers.

Deformation of socio-ecological and economic space and interterritorial cooperation in modern conditions

The article considers the category of socio-ecological and economic space and its main deformations as factors, determining the directions and necessary volumes of interterritorial cooperation. The deformations serve as the result of lack of financing in the development of its elements, their multidirectionality and inefficient use of the existing potential. Besides, we identify the discrepancy between administrative boundaries and service areas as one of the reasons for deformation of the socio-ecological and economic space. Fuller use of available social infrastructure capacities requires joint maintenance of the existing organisations. In the research, the types and depth of the socio-ecological and economic space deformation and factors, causing them, are shown. The level of deformation can be different, which is reflected in the known indicators of deviation from the current threshold values that characterise the preservation of its quality: within the maximum allowable concentration (in ecology), within the framework of existing standards (in saturation of social infrastructure objects), etc. The development of territorial cooperation is considered as an effective factor in overcoming the deformations of the socio-ecological and economic space, allowing to use available potentials better. Moreover, this activity can be aimed at creating a fundamentally new space architecture or improving its elements.

Sustainable Development of Agricultural Cooperation in Conditions of Economy Digitalization

Introduction: The key link in the agro-industrial complex is agriculture. Cooperation is assigned a unique role as a factor contributing to the sustainability of the agricultural sector. The article aims to study the trends in the development of agricultural cooperation in the context of the digitalization of the economy, and identify problematic elements of development and determine the development trend for the future. Theoretical framework: The theoretical basis of the research was formed by the scientific works of leading domestic and foreign scientists on the considered research problem. Methodology: The research used methods of analysis and synthesis of economic information, statistical data, an integrated and systematic approach to assessing economic phenomena. The research used literature review, data analysis and synthesis as key methods to analyze trends, identify problems and draw conclusions. Results and Discussion: The article discusses the existing positive shifts in the agricultural sector and why they do not provide desired dynamic development of agricultural producers. It identifies problems that slow down integration into the digital ecosystem and discusses certain problems that do not allow to increase production efficiency. Conclusion: The key factors in the development of agricultural cooperation are identified. Conditions necessary for further development of agricultural cooperation are outlined, including effective involvement of representatives in the digital ecosystem.

INSTITUTIONAL ORGANIZATIONAL AND ECONOMIC FOUNDATIONS OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT BASED ON INTEGRATION AND COOPERATION IN THE CONDITIONS OF MARTIAL STATE

The article reveals the institutional, organizational and economic foundations of entrepreneurship development based on integration and cooperation in wartime conditions. The theoretical and methodological foundations of integration-cooperative relations in the agrarian sphere and modern practices of integrated structures te formation and functioning are analyzed. The main essential characteristics of the main types of integration are considered, with the definition of the main economic interests, which are stimulating factors of the institutional ability to realize the potential of combining economic and social capabilities of entrepreneurs in the agrarian sector of the national economy. The main problems of the development of agrarian entrepreneurship in the conditions of Russian military aggression are determined, with an assessment of the role of integration processes in overcoming negative phenomena. Conceptual assessments of the development of entrepreneurship with using of the cooperation mechanism to strengthen institutional capacities of the effective functioning of the agrarian sector of the Ukrainian economy in wartime conditions have been updated. The main trends of state support for the development of entrepreneurship in agriculture are characterized and the priority directions of state influence to strengthen the economic positions of small and medium-sized agricultural enterprises are determined. Methods used: monographic, comparative, expert assessment. Organizational and economic trends were identified and institutional dynamics of entrepreneurship development based on cooperation and integration under the influence of wartime risks were established. Keywords: entrepreneurship, integration, cooperation, agricultural sector, regulation