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Exploring a Dualism of Human Rationality: Experimental Study of a Cheating Contest Game

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  • Bodo Herzog

    (Economics Department, ESB Business School, Reutlingen University, 72762 Reutlingen, Germany
    Reutlingen Research Institute (RRI), 72762 Reutlingen, Germany
    Institute of Finance and Economics (IFE), Reutlingen University, 72762 Reutlingen, Germany)

  • Stefanie Schnee

    (Economics Department, ESB Business School, Reutlingen University, 72762 Reutlingen, Germany)

Abstract

Rational behavior is a standard assumption in science. Indeed, rationality is required for environmental action towards net-zero emissions or public health interventions during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Yet, little is known about the elements of rationality. This paper explores a dualism of rationality comprised of optimality and consistency. By designing a new guessing game, we experimentally uncover and disentangle two building blocks of human rationality: the notions of optimality and consistency. We find evidence that rationality is largely associated to optimality and weakly to consistency. Remarkably, under uncertainty, rationality gradually shifts to a heuristic notion. Our findings provide insights to better understand human decision making.

Suggested Citation

  • Bodo Herzog & Stefanie Schnee, 2022. "Exploring a Dualism of Human Rationality: Experimental Study of a Cheating Contest Game," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(13), pages 1-13, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:13:p:7675-:d:845772
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