The attractive features of various strategies for resolving a simulated commons dilemma (a paradox in which a long-term benefit requires the individual to forego immediate gain) were determined in conditions where 40 groups of college age participants (total number = 136) were acting as a world policy making body or local advisory group when there either was or wasn't a resource crisis. Resource monitoring and rationing were favored under both conditions. Those representing local groups not facing a crisis favored democratic usage decisions and were more likely to endorse solutions applied locally. Findings indicate that degree of resource depletion and level of involvement in decision making affected perceptions of appropriateness of solutions. (Author/LP)