Pushing polar opposites together: An intergroup cooperation intervention study across 50 countries

• Grant number: 24/10633-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: November 01, 2024
• End date: October 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Psychology - Experimental Psychology
• Principal Investigator: Paulo Sérgio Boggio
• Grantee: Bruna Eugênia Ferreira Mota
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie (UPM). Instituto Presbiteriano Mackenzie. São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Humans, inherently social, rely on collaborative group interactions and cooperation for survival. However, achieving this collaborative and cooperative dynamic can be challenging. Social and moral identities, influenced by shared values, can lead to polarized opinions and conflicts. Evolutionarily, cooperation has led to more stable and prosperous societies, understanding and promoting cooperation amidst moral and cultural differences is vital for mitigating intergroup conflicts and fostering healthier social interactions. This project aims to explore and adapt interventions that enhance cooperation, reduce social distance, and increase interconnectedness, contributing to the advancement of social and affective neuroscience. This is a global study conducted by a collaborative team of researchers. We will employ a comprehensive cross-cultural methodology, aiming to collect data from 50 countries to ensure a diverse and representative sample. Researchers from each country will adapt and translate research instruments and interventions, ensuring cultural relevance and accuracy in data collection. The data will be analyzed using hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) to account for the nested structure of individual and national-level variables, providing robust insights into the effects of the interventions on cooperative behaviors.