Mutual interdependence versus repeated interaction: an experiment studying voluntary social exchange

Relations of mutual interdependence have been regarded as necessary for human cooperation to evolve. However, many studies in the social sciences indicate that repeated interaction suffices to establish cooperation. We examine this issue by means of a voluntary social exchange experiment where mutually interdependent players coexist with merely dependent ones. We systematically vary the degree of mutual interdependence and the length of the time horizon. According to our data, repetition of interactions is crucial for fostering cooperation, although people remain attentive to mutual interdependencies.