Goldstone Research Unit
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of this Version
4-2010
Publication Source
Journal of Behavioral Decision Making
Volume
23
Issue
2
Start Page
161
Last Page
178
DOI
10.1002/bdm.648
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/Permission Statement
This is the peer reviewed version of the article which has been published in final form at http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/bdm.648. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for self-archiving.
Keywords
game theory, fairness, social norms, normative expectations
Recommended Citation
Bicchieri, C., & Chavez, A. (2010). Behaving as Expected: Public Information and Fairness Norms. Journal of Behavioral Decision Making, 23 (2), 161-178. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/bdm.648
Date Posted: 18 December 2014
This document has been peer reviewed.