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More than outcomes: The role of self-image in other-regarding behavior

Author

Listed:
  • Astrid Matthey

    (Max Planck Institute of Economics, Jena)

  • Tobias Regner

    (Max Planck Institute of Economics, Jena)

Abstract

We conduct a modified dictator game in order to analyze the role self-image concerns play in other-regarding behavior. While we generally follow Konow (2000), a cognitive dissonance-based model of other-regarding behavior in dictator games, we relax one of its assumptions as we allow for individual heterogeneity among individuals' standards of behavior. Subjects' self-image, their belief regarding the average socially appropriate behavior of others and our proxies for the cognitive dissonance costs are positively correlated with the dictator game choices. We also find that subjects whose choices involve two psychologically inconsistent cognitions indeed report higher levels of experienced conflict and take more time for their decisions (our proxies for cognitive dissonance).

Suggested Citation

  • Astrid Matthey & Tobias Regner, 2014. "More than outcomes: The role of self-image in other-regarding behavior," Jena Economics Research Papers 2014-036, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena.
    • Handle: RePEc:jrp:jrpwrp:2014-036
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    File URL: https://oweb.b67.uni-jena.de/Papers/jerp2014/wp_2014_036.pdf
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    Cited by:

    1. Tobias Regner, 2018. "Reciprocity under moral wiggle room: Is it a preference or a constraint?," Experimental Economics, Springer;Economic Science Association, vol. 21(4), pages 779-792, December.
    2. Tobias Regner & Astrid Matthey, 2016. "Do reciprocators exploit or resist moral wiggle room? An experimental analysis," Jena Economics Research Papers 2015-027, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    social preferences; other-regarding behavior; self-image; cognitive dissonance; social norms;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C72 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Noncooperative Games
    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • D03 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Behavioral Microeconomics: Underlying Principles
    • D80 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - General

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