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FEBRUARY 2007
FOCUS ON RESEARCH is a continuation of the 2002 print series through which we are sharing the business related issues being researched by our faculty. Annually they participate in a variety of communications avenues ranging from expert editorial support in various media to lecturing and consulting. As a Carnegie Doctoral/Research-Extensive University, publishing research in referred academic journals is a critical part of our mission. A Dean’s Seminar also has been established where the faculty has an opportunity to do additional research and share it monthly with colleagues. Items from all of these sources may be included in this website’s contributions and stories, as they become available. |
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Presented at Dean’s Seminar February 16, 2007
A Complete Analysis of Motives for Giving in Dictator Games,
L. Razzolini, S. Sarangi, E. Feess, C. Schumacher |
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Laura Razzolini, associate professor,
Department of
Economics
Virginia Commonwealth Univefsity
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ABSTRACT: In this study of motives for giving in Dictator Games, we consider different degrees of knowledge that the subjects may have about each other and about the amount of money assigned to the dictator. The dictator is never aware of the recipient's identity, while the recipient may knows the dictator's identity. At the same time, the recipient may not know how much money the dictator has to split. We argue that any money offered to the recipient when the size of the pie is unknown must be out of pure altruism.
On the other hand, if the dictator knows that the recipient is aware of the amount of money to be divided, she may feel obliged to give more because of moral pressure. We also expect that in case the recipient knows the dictator's identity, the dictator may want to make a good impression or establish a reputation with the recipient. Pilot experiments suggest that pressure plays a bigger role than reputation in the motives for giving in a dictator game. |
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