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Analytical thinking, prosocial voting, and intergroup competition: experimental evidence from China

Author

Listed:
  • Rebecca B. Morton

    (New York University Abu-Dhabi
    New York University)

  • Kai Ou

    (Florida State University)

  • Xiangdong Qin

    (Shanghai Jiao Tong University)

Abstract

We investigate whether and how analytical thinking affects Muslims’ prosocial voting towards in-group (fellow Muslims) and out-group (Han Chinese) members. We conduct an incentivized laboratory-style voting experiment in western China, where tension and competition exist between the two ethnic groups. We find a significant negative effect of analytical thinking on prosocial voting in general. We also find that the effect of analytical thinking is related to group identity: A strong and significant negative effect is found on behavior towards out-group members, but a small and generally insignificant effect towards in-group members. Our results are consistent with group competition affecting the benefits and costs of prosocial voting, and those benefits and costs become more salient when engaging in analytical thinking.

Suggested Citation

  • Rebecca B. Morton & Kai Ou & Xiangdong Qin, 2022. "Analytical thinking, prosocial voting, and intergroup competition: experimental evidence from China," Public Choice, Springer, vol. 191(3), pages 363-385, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:pubcho:v:191:y:2022:i:3:d:10.1007_s11127-020-00859-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s11127-020-00859-6
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Analytical thinking; Chinese Muslim; Intergroup competition; Ethnic identity; Lab-in-the-field experiment;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C9 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments
    • D6 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics
    • D7 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making
    • H0 - Public Economics - - General

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