Threat of group extinction proves a powerful motivator

[xSilverPhinx]

Charles Darwin was right: Groups that enjoy an advantage have members who are 'ready to aid one another and to sacrifice themselves for the common good.'

Threat of group extinction proves a powerful motivator (Science Daily)

The fact that members within a group (leaving out the antisocial I think) will cooperate when group selection is present is interesting stuff. I'm assuming that the participants know that their survival does not depend on these artificial groups, in real world group conflicts this dynamic might be even more pronounced, especially considering that human beings are social species and most depend on groups for survival, among other things. 

I haven't read the paper, but I wonder if the participants were given enough (or were not given enough) "monetary units" that would result in more selfishness. 

[Recusant]

Interesting study, but I also question how relevant results from this sort of experiment are to real world interactions.