Internationalism as a predictor of cooperative behavior

Theoretical Background Game theory has been subjected to much research in recent years, so much so that the 1960 convention of the Eastern Psychological Association established a separate topical division for the presentation of papers in this area. The growing popularity of the theory is probably due largely to the fact that it provides the researcher with a framework of microsocial situations in which predictions about behavior can be derived mathematically. Essentially, the theory states that a person will behave in such a way as to maximize satisfaction (utility). Further, the prediction of behavior is based upon expectancy rather than reality. That is, what the individual will do depends upon what action he expects will result in the greatest satisfaction. Satisfaction, it should be noted, is not necessarily identical with monetary gain. Other factors, such as the thrill of gambling on a long shot or the