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"I" on You: Identity in the Dictator Game

Author

Listed:
  • Anita Kopányi-Peuker

    (University of Amsterdam)

  • Jin Di Zheng

    (Nanjing Audit University)

Abstract

We study a giver’s generosity depending on her relationship with the recipient and the observer. We assign different group identities to the players using a variation of the minimumgroup paradigm, and test the effect of group memberships on altruistic giving in the dictator game with a passive observer. The results show that the dictator gives the least when she is from a different group than the other two. We further show that dictators give more when there is no observer. This is driven by male subjects who react more to the presence of the observer.

Suggested Citation

  • Anita Kopányi-Peuker & Jin Di Zheng, 2019. ""I" on You: Identity in the Dictator Game," Tinbergen Institute Discussion Papers 19-049/II, Tinbergen Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:tin:wpaper:20190049
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    7. Joy A. Buchanan & Matthew K. McMahon & Matthew Simpson & Bart J. Wilson, 2017. "Smile, Dictator, You're on Camera," Southern Economic Journal, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 84(1), pages 52-65, July.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    dictator game; observer; group identity; laboratory experiment;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • C72 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Noncooperative Games
    • C92 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Group Behavior

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