Discontinuity effect

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The discontinuity effect is known as the markedly greater competitiveness displayed between different, interacting groups relative to the competitiveness displayed when individuals interact with other individuals.^[1] Given that group competition over scarce resources is believed to lead to group-level conflict (see realistic group conflict theory), it has been asserted that the link between competition and conflict is also considerably more powerful between groups than between individuals. While individuals within a group may prefer to be cooperative, once they join together to make a collective unit, individual orientations favoring cooperation tend to be overshadowed by competitive orientations of the group.^[2]

The discontinuity between individuals and groups has been consistently replicated in laboratory settings, but are not confined to them. These effects emerge during sports activities, sessions of classes, and even when groups merge to plan or strategize (Forsyth, 2010).