Worcester, MA- Assumption College Professor Thomas Boone has been interested in Social Psychology issues for years. His research has reflected that interest. But now, his research is generating even more enthusiasm as the CBS Television Hit "Survivor" publicly displays the very essence of social psychology; forcing people to make choices between a better collective outcome or a better personal outcome.

In Professors Boone's research, participants are involved in a card game "TRUMP" in which over 600 people have competed in groups of 12 for many $40 prizes. He has literally given out over $1000 of dollars in prize money - money that was provided by a National Science Foundation Grant. In fact, the entire project was funded by a $70,000 grant by NSF.

Two articles have been published about this research:

Boone, R. T., & Macy, M. W. (1998). Dependence and cooperation in the
game of Trump. Advances in Group Processes,15, 161-185.

Boone, R. T., & Macy, M. W. (1999). Dependence, control, and
cooperation. Social Psychology Quarterly, 62,
32-52.

Professor Boone is available to speak on his research and how it relates to the show "Survivor."

Please contact Heidi Paluk, director of Public Affairs, at (508) 767-7173 to arrange an interview.