Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2025

A Task for Assessing the Impact of a Partner on the Speed and Accuracy of Motor Performance in Rats
Published on: October 17, 2019
Being Negatively Cued, are People Less Cooperative? The Influence of Watching Eyes on Cooperative Behavior
Xiaoming Wang1, Qinying Zhao2, Xiulin Bao1
1School of Psychology, Qufu Normal University, Qufu City, Shandong Province, China.
Abstract:
In the course of human evolution, watching eyes have had an important influence on individual cooperative behavior. However, researchers have not explored how the valence of watching eyes affects cooperative behavior. Therefore, this study includes three studies to investigate the effect of watching eyes with different valences on cooperative behavior. The results showed that positive watching eyes (vs. negative watching eyes) induced positive emotions (PA) in the participants and thus increased their tendency to cooperate (Studies 1-2). The role of the decision maker (making decisions for oneself vs. making decisions on behalf of others) moderates the effect of watching eyes on cooperative behavior through emotion (Study 3). In conclusion, the valence of watching eyes significantly affects cooperation. This study not only further enriches research on environmental stimulation and cooperation but also provides inspiration and a reference for solving problems of cooperation in social dilemmas.
Related Concept Videos
Social Proof
Social Facilitation
Nonconscious Mimicry
Persuasion Strategies
Facial Feedback Hypothesis
Bystander Effect

