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Does Moral Transgression Promote Anti-social Behavior? Evidence from Lab-in-the-Field Experiments

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  • Halefom Yigzaw Nigus
  • Eleonora Nillesen
  • Pierre Mohnen
  • Salvatore Di Falco

Abstract

Using two lab-in-the-field experiments, we study whether initial transgression leads to subsequent anti-social behavior. In the first stage, subjects participated in an experimental market game. In the second stage, subjects were given an opportunity to participate in anti-social experiment. We find that subjects who impose a negative externality on uninvolved third parties in the market game are also more likely to burn their partner’s income in the second experiment. This finding is consistent with a conscience-numbing effect but could possibly also be explained by participants’ preferences for consistency.

Suggested Citation

  • Halefom Yigzaw Nigus & Eleonora Nillesen & Pierre Mohnen & Salvatore Di Falco, 2025. "Does Moral Transgression Promote Anti-social Behavior? Evidence from Lab-in-the-Field Experiments," Review of Behavioral Economics, now publishers, vol. 12(1), pages 39-48, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:now:jnlrbe:105.00000202
    DOI: 10.1561/105.00000202
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