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Gender differences in the tendency to follow private information: Evidence from a social learning game

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  • Li, Zhaomin
  • Cao, Qian
  • Luo, Jun
  • Niu, Xiaofei

Abstract

This paper experimentally examines gender differences in the tendency to follow private information in a social learning game. The experimental results show that the proportion of decisions made by male participants that are consistent with their private signals is significantly higher than that of female participants, i.e., men are more likely to follow their own private information than women. This gender effect is primarily present when participants' private signals contradict the majority of public information. Overconfidence is a mechanism underlying the gender effect.

Suggested Citation

  • Li, Zhaomin & Cao, Qian & Luo, Jun & Niu, Xiaofei, 2025. "Gender differences in the tendency to follow private information: Evidence from a social learning game," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 90(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:chieco:v:90:y:2025:i:c:s1043951x25000082
    DOI: 10.1016/j.chieco.2025.102350
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Gender; Information cascades; Overconfidence;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior

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