When self-interest and altruism conflict.

Two experiments studied (a) individual and group decision making under conditions of conflict between self-interest and altruism and (b) retribution of harm-doing by victims of individuals and groups. In Exp I, 60 undergraduate males were assigned to conditions of individual or group decision making or were victims of individuals or groups. Groups were far more punitive than individuals but reported only slightly diminished responsibility for the fate of the victim. Exp II, with 54 male undergraduates, showed that victim retribution is a function of punishment received and not a function of the source of punishment. Results are discussed within the framework of processes of group decision making. (43 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)