This study reports the effects of score feedback (own outcome vs, both own and other player's outcome) and reward (high vs. low) on Ss' choice behavior during 100 trials of a modified Prisoner's Dilemma Game. 15 male dyads were randomly assigned to each of the 4 experimental groups. The results indicated at least 3 major effects: (a) Markedly more competitive behavior was displayed by Ss when they were able to compare their own cumulative outcome with that of the other player; (b) Ss played significantly more competitively when in a low-as opposed to a high-reward condition; and (c) trials differentially affected the experimental groups, especially at the beginning of the game. In addition, the data confirm again the notion that competition is the more stable game strategy.

This study investigates the effects of no prior dyadic experience, hostile, and friendly experience, combined factorially with high and low monetary reward on competitive-cooperative behavior in a 2-choice non-zero-sum game. The game matrix is constructed so that a competitive choice unambiguously reflects the operation of a motive to maximize the difference between own and other's score, as opposed to motives to maximize own or joint gain. 15 dyads of Flemish males were assigned randomly to each of the 6 experimental groups within a 3 X 2 repeated-measures design (100 trials). The results indicate that both prior dyadic experience and reward factors, as well as the number of times the game is actually played, are important determinants of competitivecooperative behavior.

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Male, female, and mixed-sex dyads played 100 trials of a two-choice, mixedmotive game that allows behavioral separation of the relative gain orientation (desire to win or not lose) from that of individualism. An additional variable, which showed no significant main effects, was manipulated: Half of the dyads were able to see the other player, while the other half were visually isolated. While females were consistently less relative gain oriented than males, this result was not strong enough to be significant. Hence, the prediction that females are more individualistically oriented than males rather than more "competitive" (as has been suggested by researchers employing the Prisoner's Dilemma game) was not strongly supported. In the mixed-sex dyads, it was expected that all of the subjects would show a decreased tendency to compete compared to like-sex dyads. However, only males showed a significant decrease in competition, and only when they had competed previously themselves. These differences were interpreted by suggesting that, for males, but not females, differentiation of sex roles in mixed-sex interactions reduces the likelihood and/or impact of comparison of outcomes.The fundamental thesis underlying the present research is that subjects' choice behavior in non-zero-sum games can be understood only by the development of an adequate theory of social motivation applicable to situations of outcome interdependence. The present study is one in a series designed to increase our understanding of the operation of three motives that past research (e.g.,