Abstract
The processes underlying decision-making in response to unfair offers in the ultimatum game (UG) have recently been discussed in light of models of reciprocity and fairness-related behavior. It has been suggested that behavior following norm-oriented, internalized expectations of reciprocity requires overcoming economic self-interest. In this study we investigated both, behavioral and peripheral-physiological indicators of inhibitory capacity related to neuronal networks that are likely to be involved in the behavioral response to unfair offers. Both heart-rate variability as an index of inhibitory capacity, and performance in a motor response inhibition task predicted rejection of unfair offers in an UG, suggesting an important role of inhibitory processes in overcoming economic temptations and regulating behavior conforming to social norms of reciprocity and fairness. The role of parasympathetic activity as a physiological trait-marker predicting inter-individual differences in the rejection of unfair offers is discussed.
Highlights
Behavioral economics has traditionally ignored “irrational” decisionmaking as a concept as its models are mainly rooted in game theory, which conceptualizes humans as rationally acting individuals
functions and the ability to inhibit pre-potent responses (Sanfey et al, 2003; Knoch et al, 2006). In line with this assumption, results from the current study suggest that inhibitory capacity as measured by the responder’s Heartrate variability (HRV) at rest and his other performance in a motor response inhibition task both predict decision-making patterns in the ultimatum game (UG)
The positive association between measures of an individual’s frontal inhibitory capacity (HRV) and count of rejected offers (CRO) in the current study appears contrary to the intuitive notion that inhibitory control of emotions such as anger is necessary to overcome the emotional impact of an unfair offer, but it is in line with the hypothesized overcoming selfishness and the anticipated loss
Summary
Behavioral economics has traditionally ignored “irrational” decisionmaking as a concept as its models are mainly rooted in game theory, which conceptualizes humans as rationally acting individuals. Interdisciplinary investigations have started to combine behavioral economics and research on emotions and individual differences (Sanfey, 2007). A behavioral paradigm that triggered decades of research is the ultimatum game (UG), which has proven to be a useful tool to distinguish between rational and emotionally motivated decisions (Güth et al, 1982; Sanfey, 2007). The UG has been shown to be a reliable paradigm for the investigation of decision-making processes in social contexts, in which a conflict between economic self-interests and perceived unfairness is created. If the responder rejects the proposer’s offer, neither player is paid. If the money is split in an unfair way (i.e., the responder is confronted with less than 50% of the endowment), the probability of a rejection by the responder increases, despite this being against their economic interests
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