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Replication Report: Corrupted by Algorithms? How AI-generated And Human-written Advice Shape (Dis)Honesty

Author

Listed:
  • Deer, Lachlan
  • Krishna, Adithya
  • Zhang, Lyla

Abstract

Leib et al. (2024) examine how artificial intelligence (AI) generated advice affects dishonesty compared to equivalent human advice in a laboratory experiment. In their preferred empirical specification, the authors report that dishonesty-promoting advice increases dishonest behavior by approximately 15% compared to a baseline without advice, while honesty-promoting advice has no significant effect. Additionally, they find that algorithmic transparency - disclosing whether advice comes from AI or humans - does not affect behavior. We computationally reproduce the main results of the paper using the same procedures and original data. Our results confirm the sign, magnitude, and statistical significance of the authors' reported estimates across each of their main findings. Additional robustness checks show that the significance of the results remains stable under alternative specifications and methodological choices.

Suggested Citation

  • Deer, Lachlan & Krishna, Adithya & Zhang, Lyla, 2025. "Replication Report: Corrupted by Algorithms? How AI-generated And Human-written Advice Shape (Dis)Honesty," I4R Discussion Paper Series 212, The Institute for Replication (I4R).
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:i4rdps:212
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    File URL: https://www.econstor.eu/bitstream/10419/313185/1/I4R-DP212.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Urs Fischbacher & Franziska Föllmi-Heusi, 2013. "Lies In Disguise—An Experimental Study On Cheating," Journal of the European Economic Association, European Economic Association, vol. 11(3), pages 525-547, June.
    2. Joshua D. Angrist & Jörn-Steffen Pischke, 2009. "Mostly Harmless Econometrics: An Empiricist's Companion," Economics Books, Princeton University Press, edition 1, number 8769, December.
    3. Margarita Leib & Nils Köbis & Rainer Michael Rilke & Marloes Hagens & Bernd Irlenbusch, 2024. "Corrupted by Algorithms? How AI-generated and Human-written Advice Shape (Dis)honesty," The Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 134(658), pages 766-784.
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D01 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Microeconomic Behavior: Underlying Principles
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior

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