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The Influence of Ambient Temperature on Social Perception and Social Behavior

Author

Listed:
  • Jan S. Krause

    (University of Kiel)

  • Gerrit Nanninga

    (University of Kiel)

  • Patrick Ring

    (University of Kiel)

  • Ulrich Schmidt

    (University of Kiel)

  • Daniel Schunk

    (Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz)

Abstract

The literature suggests that human perception and behavior vary with physical temperature. We provide an experimental test of how different ambient temperature conditions impact social behavior and social perception: Subjects went through a series of tasks measuring various aspects of social behavior and perception under three temperature conditions (cold vs. optimal vs. warm). Despite well-established findings on temperature effects, our data suggest that physical temperature has no relevant influence on social behavior and social perception. We corroborate our finding of a null effect by the use of equivalence testing and provide a discussion in the light of recent failed replication attempts in this field of research.

Suggested Citation

  • Jan S. Krause & Gerrit Nanninga & Patrick Ring & Ulrich Schmidt & Daniel Schunk, 2020. "The Influence of Ambient Temperature on Social Perception and Social Behavior," Working Papers 2013, Gutenberg School of Management and Economics, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz.
    • Handle: RePEc:jgu:wpaper:2013
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    File URL: https://download.uni-mainz.de/RePEc/pdf/Discussion_Paper_2013.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    social perception; ambient temperature; social preference; equivalence testing; cooperation; warmth;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C90 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - General
    • D01 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Microeconomic Behavior: Underlying Principles
    • D90 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - General
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making

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