There are at least three general theoretical perspectives
that have guided research on cooperation--cognitive-developmental,
behavioral, and social interdependence. The cognitive developmental
perspective is largely based on the theories of Piaget and
Vygotsky. The work of Piaget and related theorists is based on
the premise that when individuals co-operate on the environment,
socio-cognitive conflict occurs that creates cognitive disequilibrium,
which in turn stimulates perspective-taking ability and cognitive
development. The work of Vygotsky and related theorists is based
on the premise that knowledge is social, constructed from cooperative
efforts to learn, understand, and solve problems.