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Cooperation and competition have same benefits but different costs
Lucia De Francesco1, Alessandro Mazza1, Matilde Sorrenti1
1Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Torino, Italy.
Iscience
|July 24, 2024
Summary
Cooperation and competition both enhance performance. However, cooperation with others is a healthier way to boost performance, without the increased stress and physiological burden of competition.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Human interactions are shaped by cooperation and competition.
- These social contexts influence success across various domains.
- Cognitive interference assessments can reveal impacts of social dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine how social context (cooperation vs. competition) and opponent's ability affect performance.
- To investigate the impact on perceived stress and autonomic activity.
- To determine the optimal social context for performance enhancement.
Main Methods:
- A virtual Stroop test was used to assess cognitive interference.
- Participants engaged in cooperative and competitive scenarios.
- Performance, perceived stress, and physiological activity were measured.
Main Results:
- Cooperation with a lower performer and competition with a higher performer similarly enhanced performance.
- Competition with a more skilled opponent increased perceived stress and physiological activity.
- These effects were sustained with prolonged exposure.
Conclusions:
- Cooperation is as effective as competition for improving performance.
- Cooperation offers a healthier alternative to competition by reducing stress and physiological burden.
- Social context significantly modulates cognitive performance and well-being.
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