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Eliciting Moral Preferences: Theory and Experiment

Author

Listed:
  • Roland Bénabou

    (Princeton University)

  • Armin Falk

    (Institute on Behavior and Inequality (briq) and University of Bonn)

  • Luca Henkel

    (University of Bonn)

  • Jean Tirole

    (University of Toulouse Capitole)

Abstract

We study the extent to which a person’s moral preferences can be inferred from their choices, and how behaviors that appear deontologically motivated should be interpreted. Comparing direct elicitation (DE) and multiple-price list (MPL) mechanisms, we characterize how image motives inflate the extent of prosocial behavior. The resulting signalling bias is shown to depend on the interaction between elicitation method and visibility level: it is greater under DE for low reputation concerns, and greater under MPL for high ones. We test the model’s predictions in an experiment with life-saving donations and find the key crossing effect predicted by the theory.

Suggested Citation

  • Roland Bénabou & Armin Falk & Luca Henkel & Jean Tirole, 2022. "Eliciting Moral Preferences: Theory and Experiment," Working Papers 2022-26, Princeton University. Economics Department..
    • Handle: RePEc:pri:econom:2022-26
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    File URL: https://scholar.princeton.edu/sites/default/files/rbenabou/files/moral_preference_29_05_22.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Simonson, Itamar, 1989. "Choice Based on Reasons: The Case of Attraction and Compromise Effects," Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of Consumer Research Inc., vol. 16(2), pages 158-174, September.
    2. Glenn W. Harrison & John A. List, 2004. "Field Experiments," Journal of Economic Literature, American Economic Association, vol. 42(4), pages 1009-1055, December.
    3. Starmer, Chris & Sugden, Robert, 1991. "Does the Random-Lottery Incentive System Elicit True Preferences? An Experimental Investigation," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 81(4), pages 971-978, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Janas, Moritz & Jordan, Michelle, 2024. "Cheap signaling of altruism," Journal of Economic Psychology, Elsevier, vol. 102(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • D01 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Microeconomic Behavior: Underlying Principles
    • D62 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Externalities
    • D64 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Altruism; Philanthropy; Intergenerational Transfers
    • D78 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Positive Analysis of Policy Formulation and Implementation

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