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Altruism as a function of response cost to the benefactor.

Summary This study investigated the effects of response cost on the acquisition of instrumentally conditioned helping behavior. One group of Ss were placed in the position of being able to help a confederate (C), by delivering him from electric shock, at the same time risking the possibility of being penalized (cost to benefactor) for this helping behavior. A second group of Ss were also placed in the position of being able to help a C, but without any risk of penalty. A third group, which was not in a position of helping anyone, served as a control group. Results supported previous research indicating that helping responses have inherent reinforcing value. When a cost variable is introduced into a situation inviting an altruistic response, however, altruistic behavior tends to be suppressed, and the likelihood of learning the particular response is decreased.