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Bare promises: An experiment

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  • Charness, Gary
  • Dufwenberg, Martin

Abstract

Is truth-value of a statement what lying aversion is all about? We propose an experimental test and find only limited support. In this context with 'bare promises', we also test for guilt aversion and again find only limited support.

Suggested Citation

  • Charness, Gary & Dufwenberg, Martin, 2010. "Bare promises: An experiment," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 107(2), pages 281-283, May.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolet:v:107:y:2010:i:2:p:281-283
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    References listed on IDEAS

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