Communication effects in public good games with and without provision points

In this study, 1 investigated the impact of pre-play, non-binding, face-to-face communication on contributions in continuous and provision point games. I find that such communication increases cooperation leading to greater contributions. This effect is found both in the short-term (i.e. periods with communication) as well as in the long-term (i.e. periods with no communication that follow periods with communication). Both the short-term and long-term effects are stronger in the provision point games. In addition, I find that the magnitude of communication has a negative relationship with contributions. Groups that meet more often to communicate and those that communicate more tend to contribute less. This is a preliminary result that must be investigated more fully in future research.