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Fairness is Intuitive

Author

Listed:
  • Alexander W. Cappelen

    (Department of Economics, Copenhagen University)

  • Ulrik H. Nielsen

    (Department of Economics, Copenhagen University)

  • Bertil Tungodden

    (Norwegian School of Economics)

  • Jean-Robert Tyran

    (Department of Economics, Copenhagen University)

  • Erik Wengström

    (Department of Economics, Copenhagen University)

Abstract
In this paper we provide new evidence showing that fair behavior is intuitive to most people. We find a strong association between a short response time and fair behavior in the dictator game. This association is robust to controls that take account of the fact that response time might be affected by the decision-maker's cognitive ability and swiftness. The experiment was conducted with a large and heterogeneous sample recruited from the general population in Denmark. We find a striking similarity in the association between response time and fair behavior across groups in the society, which suggests that the predisposition to act fairly is a general human trait.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexander W. Cappelen & Ulrik H. Nielsen & Bertil Tungodden & Jean-Robert Tyran & Erik Wengström, 2014. "Fairness is Intuitive," Discussion Papers 14-10, University of Copenhagen. Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:kud:kuiedp:1410
    as

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    File URL: http://www.econ.ku.dk/english/research/publications/wp/dp_2014/1410.pdf
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    Other versions of this item:

    • Alexander W. Cappelen & Ulrik H. Nielsen & Bertil Tungodden & Jean-Robert Tyran & Erik Wengström, 2016. "Fairness is intuitive," Experimental Economics, Springer;Economic Science Association, vol. 19(4), pages 727-740, December.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Recalde, M.P. & Riedl, A.M. & Vesterlund, L., 2014. "Error prone inference from respons time: The case of intuitive generosity," Research Memorandum 034, Maastricht University, Graduate School of Business and Economics (GSBE).
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    6. Recalde, María P. & Riedl, Arno & Vesterlund, Lise, 2018. "Error-prone inference from response time: The case of intuitive generosity in public-good games," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 160(C), pages 132-147.
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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Response Time; Dictator Game; Experiment; Fairness;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C90 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - General
    • D03 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Behavioral Microeconomics: Underlying Principles
    • D60 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - General

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