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Interregional diversity of fairness concerns - An online ultimatum experiment

Author

Listed:
  • Sebastian J. Goerg

    (BonnEconLab, University of Bonn)

  • Werner Güth

    (Max Planck Institute of Economics Jena, Strategic Interaction Unit)

  • Gari Walkowitz

    (BonnEconLab, University of Bonn)

  • Torsten Weiland

    (Max Planck Institute of Economics Jena, Strategic Interaction Unit)

Abstract

Does geographic distance or the perceived social distance between subjects significantly affect proposer and responder behavior in ultimatum bargaining? To answer this question, subjects play a one-shot ultimatum game with three players (proposer, responder, and a passive dummy player) and asymmetric information (only the proposer knows what can be distributed). Treatments differ in their geographic scope by involving either one or three different locations in Germany. Observed behavior reflects the robust stylized facts of this class of ultimatum experiments and can be adequately explained by other-regarding preferences. While responder behavior does not condition on co-players' location of residence, self-interest of proposers varies significantly with the latter. Altogether, we do not detect strong discrimination based on geographic distance.

Suggested Citation

  • Sebastian J. Goerg & Werner Güth & Gari Walkowitz & Torsten Weiland, 2007. "Interregional diversity of fairness concerns - An online ultimatum experiment," Jena Economics Research Papers 2007-016, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena.
    • Handle: RePEc:jrp:jrpwrp:2007-016
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    File URL: https://oweb.b67.uni-jena.de/Papers/jerp2007/wp_2007_016.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    ultimatum bargaining; cross-cultural experiments; social preferences;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C78 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Bargaining Theory; Matching Theory
    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • Z13 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Language; Social and Economic Stratification

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