The Cooperation Puzzle: What really drives people to Cooperate?
The public goods game models a central puzzle in behavioural economics: why do people cooperate when free-riding maximises individual payoffs? In the game, participants choose how much to contribute to a shared pool, which is multiplied and redistributed equally. Despite predictions of universal free-riding, substantial cooperation is routinely observed. To explain this paradox, we conducted a meta-analysis of 20 experimental studies (2003–2025), extending Zelmer’s (2003) earlier work. Using the PRISMA framework, we identified key design features, such as communication, punishment, framing, and experience, and assessed how they shape contribution rates, offering updated insights into the drivers of collective action.
Hi! I'm Shrey, a second year economics student at Cambridge University.
I'm interested in game theory and understanding human behaviour, which is why I am a co-author of research titled: "The Cooperation puzzle: What really drives people to cooperate?"
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Excellent write up Shrey! Was a pleasure working with you