
In one recent experiment, college undergrads were asked to split a $10 pot between themselves and a partner. A purely selfish subject would keep the entire amount for himself. Most subjects gave at least something to their partners but were much more generous when paired with friends than when matched with anonymous partners. But the potential benefits from selfishness in this case are small. Who wants to lose a friendship—or risk becoming the dorm pariah—over pocket change?
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