[Intrinsic results of behavior as primary determinants of behavioral choice]

The present experiment was designed to test the hypothesis that the intrinsic results of behavior are powerful determinants of behavioral choice. Cooperative and independent building-blocks were studied with thirty-six kindergarten children arranged in pairs and assigned to one of the following three groups: the cooperation group in which subjects were shown a film indicating that the product (the intrinsic result) of two models working cooperatively is greater than the product of two models working independently in building blocks; the cooperation-estimation group in which subjects were shown films revealing that a cooperative model positively evaluates both cooperation and good work results; and, a control group in which no films were shown to subjects. Children in the two experimental groups observed their respective films four times. The building-blocks of all pairs were observed on ten occasions. Results indicated that children's choice of a cooperative strategy was facilitated by the presence of a large product (work) which they were given to understand was the result of cooperatively-minded models or children working together. This suggested that a good product tended to evoke positive feelings. On the other hand, choice of a cooperative strategy was inhibited by the anticipation of a negative intrinsic result (i.e., unacceptable work) of cooperation and children chose to work independently as a consequence.