1099-0771/asset/BDM_left.gif?v=1&s=aebe0f87b969088dc4dfb5604d4954236aab2a58)
Research Article
Behaving as expected: Public information and fairness norms
Article first published online: 9 APR 2009
DOI: 10.1002/bdm.648
Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
1099-0771/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=2c21918ad4aada099549d38ea40bde861d88ecc7 "Journal of Behavioral Decision Making")
Additional Information
How to Cite
Bicchieri, C. and Chavez, A. (2010), Behaving as expected: Public information and fairness norms. J. Behav. Decis. Making, 23: 161–178. doi: 10.1002/bdm.648
Publication History
- Issue published online: 26 MAR 2010
- Article first published online: 9 APR 2009
Funded by
- Goldstone Research Unit at the University of Pennsylvania
- National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship
- Abstract
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- game theory;
- fairness;
- social norms;
- normative expectations
Abstract
What is considered to be fair depends on context-dependent expectations. Using a modified version of the Ultimatum Game, we demonstrate that both fair behavior and perceptions of fairness depend upon beliefs about what one ought to do in a situation—that is, upon normative expectations. We manipulate such expectations by creating informational asymmetries about the offer choices available to the Proposer, and find that behavior varies accordingly. Proposers and Responders show a remarkable degree of agreement in their beliefs about which choices are considered fair. We discuss how these results fit into a theory of social norms. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.