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Self-Image and Moral Balancing - An Experimental Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Matteo. Ploner

    (University of Trento, CEEL, Italy)

  • Tobias Regner

    (Max Planck Institute of Economics, Strategic Interaction Group, Jena, Germany)

Abstract

In our experiment, a dictator game variant, the reported outcome of a die roll determines the endowment (low/high) in a subsequent dictator game. In one treatment the experimenter is present and no cheating is possible, while in another subjects can enter the result of the roll themselves. Moral self-image is also manipulated in the experiment preceding ours. The aim of this experimental set up is to analyze dynamic aspects of moral behavior. When cheating is possible, substantially more high endowments are claimed and transfers of high-endowed dictators are bigger than when cheating is not possible (mediated by the preceding moral self-image manipulation). The preceding manipulations also have a direct effect on generosity, when subjects have to report the roll of the die truthfully. Moral balancing appears to be an important factor in individual decision making.

Suggested Citation

  • Matteo. Ploner & Tobias Regner, 2013. "Self-Image and Moral Balancing - An Experimental Analysis," Jena Economics Research Papers 2013-002, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena.
  • Handle: RePEc:jrp:jrpwrp:2013-002
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    honesty; moral balancing; self-image; dictator game; experiments; ethical behavior;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • D03 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Behavioral Microeconomics: Underlying Principles

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