Work

Sorting and Social Preferences

Year: 2018

Type: article

Abstract: Laboratory experiments on social preferences typically do not allow for sorting, while many field settings do. We demonstrate a strong effect of sorting when introduced in the laboratory. Across four experiments, most individuals who share with others do so reluctantly, preferring to avoid the opportunity to share. The attractiveness of the sorting option strongly affects the composition of self-selected participants. Subsidized entry into the sharing environment attracts those who share the least. Costly entry attracts few participants, but those share large amounts. Finally, we find that a similar proportion of sharers opt out even after inducing positive reciprocity.

DOI: 10.1184/r1/6571436

Authors: Lazear, Edward P., Malmendier, Ulrike, Weber, Roberto A.

Language: English

Topic: Experimental Behavioral Economics Studies

Subfield: Safety Research

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W62522646

FWCI:

Cites: 35

Cited by: 22

Related to: 10