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Related Experiment Videos

Prosocials prefer equal outcomes to maximizing joint outcomes.

Daniel Eek1, Tommy Gärling

  • 1Department of Psychology, Göteborg University, Sweden. daniel.eek@psy.gu.se

The British Journal of Social Psychology
|June 10, 2006
PubMed
Summary

Prosocial individuals prioritize equal outcomes over maximizing joint gains. This research challenges existing theories by showing a preference for fairness in social value orientations.

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Area of Science:

  • Social Psychology
  • Behavioral Economics

Background:

  • Traditional theories define prosocials by their pursuit of maximal joint outcomes.
  • An alternative perspective suggests prosocials may prioritize equality.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To test the hypothesis that prosocials prefer equal outcomes over maximizing joint outcomes.
  • To investigate the role of equality preference in prosocial behavior.

Main Methods:

  • Three studies with 157 undergraduates.
  • Utilized the Triple-Dominance Measure of Social Values.
  • Employed a modified prisoner's dilemma game.

Main Results:

  • Prosocials consistently preferred equal outcome distributions over unequal joint gains.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Preference for equality influenced cooperation in a prisoner's dilemma game.
  • Results support the hypothesis that equality is a key driver for prosocials.

    • Conclusions:

    • Social value orientations may be better characterized by a preference for equality than joint outcome maximization.
    • Findings have implications for understanding cooperation and fairness in social decision-making.