Introduction of a Punishment Option in the Public Good Game Experiment

The Coffee Fund Conundrum

In a four-person group project, three members contribute equally, but the fourth member, Alex, does very little work. The group still receives a good grade. After the project is over, another group member, Ben, spends an hour writing a detailed, confidential email to the professor explaining Alex's lack of contribution. Ben knows this action will not change his own grade or provide any direct personal benefit, but he hopes the professor will penalize Alex. Which principle of behavior does Ben's action best illustrate?

Challenging Rational Self-Interest

An individual's decision to punish a person who has violated a social norm is primarily driven by a calculation that the long-term personal benefits of enforcing the norm will exceed the immediate personal cost of the punishment.

The Office Kitchen Incident

In a shared community garden, there is a clear rule that all members must help with weeding on Saturdays. One member, Dave, consistently skips this duty but still takes a full share of the harvest. Another member, Sarah, observes this. She decides to spend her own money to buy a new lock for the tool shed and changes the combination, texting it only to the members who have been participating. This action costs her money and time, and makes accessing tools slightly more inconvenient for everyone, including herself. Which of the following statements best analyzes Sarah's action in this context?

Match each scenario with the primary behavioral motivation it illustrates.

In a neighborhood with a strict 'no loud parties after 10 PM' rule, one resident repeatedly hosts noisy gatherings. Which of the following reactions from a neighbor best exemplifies the principle that individuals are often willing to incur a personal cost to punish those who violate shared social rules?

The Deceptive Tip Jar

In a collaborative online project, four students are meant to contribute equally to receive the same final grade. One student, Chris, does almost no work. Which of the following actions by another group member, Dana, most clearly demonstrates a willingness to punish a norm violator at a personal cost?