Abstract

CARPIO, Claudio et al. Effects of positive and negative consequences on altruistic behavior. Univ. Psychol. [online]. 2008, vol.7, n.1, pp. 97-107. ISSN 1657-9267.

To evaluate the effects of different types of consequences (positive and negative) for helping and not helping, was used a preparation in which each participant had to solve arithmetical operations of different complexity to accumulate interchangeable points by a compact disc. During the task the participants could accept or refuse themselves to help a virtual peer who could not accumulate his points. The results show that participants did prefer to help their virtual peer only when negative consequences for not helping were presented. Even though the quality of the help for peer was inferior compared to the execution shown in the participant own task.

Keywords : Altruistic behavior; Positive consequences; Negative consequences; Social behavior; Students; Behavior and behavior mechanisms; Students psychological aspects; Social behavior.

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