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A matter of principle or a matter of money? How fairness evaluations change with experimental currencies

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  • Marina Chugunova
  • Wolfgang J Luhan

Abstract

We investigate how the information on monetary outcomes influences perceptions of fairness of income redistributions. In an economic experiment, participants initially rated the fairness of a redistribution scheme without knowing the exchange rate of experimental tokens to real money. After learning the monetary value of tokens, the participants adjusted their fairness ratings, generally perceiving redistributions that generate higher income for themselves as fairer. As the redistribution itself did not change, our findings suggest that awareness of monetary consequences affects perceptions of redistribution beyond mere self-interest.

Suggested Citation

  • Marina Chugunova & Wolfgang J Luhan, 2026. "A matter of principle or a matter of money? How fairness evaluations change with experimental currencies," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 21(2), pages 1-10, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0336459
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0336459
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Smith, Vernon L, 1976. "Experimental Economics: Induced Value Theory," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 66(2), pages 274-279, May.
    2. Alexander W. Cappelen & Astri Drange Hole & Erik Ø Sørensen & Bertil Tungodden, 2007. "The Pluralism of Fairness Ideals: An Experimental Approach," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 97(3), pages 818-827, June.
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