Ethnic-Group Differences in the Relationship of Trusting Attitudes to Cooperative Behavior

80 female Ss (40 Caucasian; 40 Japanese-Americans) at the University of Hawaii were administered attitude measures concerning human nature. They later took part in a 50-trial, 2-person, non-zero-sum game where simulated “other player” responses of random predetermined 76% cooperative were programed by E. Ethnic group was varied to observe the effects of interaction. Attitude measures as well as ratings on the “other player” obtained from a feedback questionnaire administered after the game, were correlated with cooperative responses. There were no significant differences in cooperative behavior between ethnic groups. Significant relationships with cooperation were found for a number of attitude scales and trait ratings.