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Intrinsic Motivation and Altruism under Rational Inattention: Do We Perform Better When We Care?

Author

Listed:
  • Zexuan Wang

    (Université Paris Cité, LIRAES, Paris)

  • Selin Yardimci

    (Université de Rennes, CREM, Rennes)

  • Amaury Brandenburg

    (Université de Rennes, CREM, Rennes)

Abstract

Under the rational inattention framework, we explore the relationship between intrinsic motivation, altruism, information (attention) cost, and decision performance using perceptual tasks. We find counterintuitive results: higher intrinsic motivation leads subjects to perform worse. Furthermore, a high level of altruism is associated with lower decision performance when information acquisition benefits others. These observations are attributed to a positive relationship between altruism, intrinsic motivation, and information cost. Our findings highlight the complex trade-offs between intrinsic motivation, altruism, and cognitive limitations. They challenge the common assumption that increased motivation may lead to better outcomes. Meanwhile, we find that the net expected utility and the cost of information acquisition do not vary across different decision contexts. These results suggest that cognitive constraints may depend less on how subjects are paid and more on how the experiment is designed.

Suggested Citation

  • Zexuan Wang & Selin Yardimci & Amaury Brandenburg, 2025. "Intrinsic Motivation and Altruism under Rational Inattention: Do We Perform Better When We Care?," Journal of Behavioral Economics for Policy, Society for the Advancement of Behavioral Economics (SABE), vol. 9(1), pages 31-40, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:beh:jbepv1:v:9:y:2025:i:1:p:31-40
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    3. Ismaël Rafaï & Mira Toumi, 2018. "Willingness to Pay Attention for Others: Do Social Preferences Predict Attentional Contribution?," Revue d'économie politique, Dalloz, vol. 128(5), pages 849-881.
    4. Sims, Christopher A., 2003. "Implications of rational inattention," Journal of Monetary Economics, Elsevier, vol. 50(3), pages 665-690, April.
    5. Zizzo, Daniel John & Fleming, Piers, 2011. "Can experimental measures of sensitivity to social pressure predict public good contribution?," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 111(3), pages 239-242, June.
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