Methods and apparatus for selecting and switching between cooperative and non-cooperative modes of communications device operation are described. Switching between modes may be, e.g., in response to a signal received form another device or in response to another device leaving the area. In cooperative mode operation the communications device acts in a manner that takes into consideration the effect of signal transmissions on other devices, e.g., the device may respond to interference control signaling, resource allocation signals and/or implement other interference management techniques. In the non-cooperative mode the device seeks to optimize its own communications performance without regard to the effect on one or more communications devices which may be in the area, e.g., devices with which it is not communicating. In the non-cooperative mode the device may ignore interference management control signals or transmit signals intended to cause another devices to reduce their transmissions or power output.