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Updated: Jul 13, 2026
11:51
Combining Behavioral Endocrinology and Experimental Economics: Testosterone and Social Decision Making
Published on: March 2, 2011
High-testosterone men reject low ultimatum game offers
1Program for Evolutionary Dynamics, Harvard University, One Brattle Square, Suite 6, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA. terry@post.harvard.edu
Proceedings. Biological Sciences
|July 7, 2007
Summary
Men with higher testosterone levels are more likely to reject unfair offers in the ultimatum game. This suggests testosterone influences economic decision-making and perceptions of fairness in negotiations.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Economics
- Neuroendocrinology
Background:
- The ultimatum game reveals frequent rejections of monetary offers, contradicting traditional economic rationality.
- The reasons for these rejections, particularly concerning fairness and economic decision-making, remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between testosterone levels and rejection rates in the ultimatum game.
- To explore if testosterone influences the perception of fairness in economic negotiations.
Main Methods:
- Participants played the ultimatum game, receiving offers of money.
- Salivary testosterone levels were measured.
- Rejection behavior was analyzed in relation to testosterone concentrations.
Main Results:
- Men who rejected low offers ($5 out of $40) exhibited significantly higher testosterone levels.
- A trend suggested higher testosterone was associated with making higher offers, though not statistically significant.
Conclusions:
- Testosterone may play a role in the rejection of inequitable offers in economic decision-making.
- Findings suggest a link between hormonal profiles and behaviors that deviate from pure economic rationality.
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