Game structure shapes individuals' norms in collective decision-making

In repeated four-person linear versus threshold public goods games, game structure shapes distinct social norms, with TPGG enforcing punishment more and LPGG updating contributions more dynamically.

• Why it matters: It remains unclear whether different game structures generate different norms and what mechanisms link structure to how people evaluate actions and coordinate cooperation.
• What they did: The study compared LPGG and TPGG using model-free behavioral analysis, agent-based modelling, and fNIRS hyperscanning in repeated four-person interactions.
• The result: LPGG emphasized consequence-based social norms, while TPGG emphasized conformity-based norms, with TPGG showing stronger rTPJ activation linked to contributions and dmPFC–rTPJ connectivity tracking consequence parameters.

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