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.

In this research, participants have been involved in a social dilemma that pits collective interests against personal outcomes. While players have remained anonymous, the fundamental questions of situational and individual propensities that predict cooperation have been investigated. What is unique to Prof. Boone's research is that he has done with groups of twelve rather that single level dyads, which is similar to the set-up on Survivor.

This semester Prof. Boone will be utilizing various aspects of the show to illustrate the various phenomenon of social psychology, including attitude formation, social perception, social cognition, group cohesion, prejudice/discrimination, social loafing, and interpersonal interactions.

Prof. Boone is available immediately for comment. He can be reached at (508) 767-7566.