Social distance and anonymity modulate fairness consideration: An ERP study
Rongjun Yu1,2,3,4, Pan Hu1, Ping Zhang1
1School of Psychology and Center for Studies of Psychological Application, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China.
Scientific Reports
|August 22, 2015
Summary
Social distance and anonymity interact to influence fairness in asset distribution. Brain activity reveals fast conflict detection for unfairness from strangers and slower integration of social context.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Social Psychology
- Behavioral Economics
Background:
- Fairness considerations are known to be affected by social distance.
- The interactive effects of social distance and anonymity on fairness evaluation and their neural correlates remain underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interactive impact of social distance and anonymity on fairness evaluation during asset distribution.
- To document the brain activity associated with these fairness evaluation processes using event-related potentials (ERPs).
Main Methods:
- Utilized a modified ultimatum game paradigm.
- Measured behavioral responses (acceptance rate, reaction time) and event-related potentials (ERPs) including Feedback-related negativity (FRN) and P300.
- Manipulated social distance (strangers vs. friends) and anonymity (certain vs. uncertain partner identity).
Main Results:
- Behaviorally, acceptance rates and reaction times were significantly modulated by social distance and anonymity.
- Feedback-related negativity (FRN) showed greater negativity for unfair offers from strangers, but an opposite trend for unfair offers from friends, indicating rapid social distance effects.
- P300 amplitude for fair offers was more positive under conditions of uncertain partner identity compared to certain identity.
Conclusions:
- Fairness perception is influenced by a rapid conflict detection mechanism sensitive to social distance.
- Slower cognitive stages integrate complex social contextual factors, such as anonymity, into fairness evaluations.
- Neural responses reflect distinct temporal dynamics in processing social inequality based on social distance and anonymity.
Related Concept Videos
00:57Deindividuation
31.2K
Deindividuation is a form of social influence on an individual’s behavior such that the individual engages in unusual or non-normal behavior while in a group setting. Why? Because in these group settings, the individual no longer sees themselves as an individual anymore, disinhibiting their behavior and personal restraint.
31.2K
01:04Social Facilitation
36.8K
Not all intergroup interactions lead to negative outcomes. Sometimes, being in a group situation can improve performance. Social facilitation occurs when an individual performs better when an audience is watching than when the individual performs the behavior alone. This typically occurs when people are performing a task for which they are skilled.
36.8K
01:26Equity Theory
380
Equity theory explains how our sense of fairness influences the dynamics of close relationships. Rooted in social psychology, the theory posits that individuals evaluate fairness by comparing the ratio of their contributions to the rewards they receive. Relationship satisfaction is highest when these ratios are perceived as balanced between partners, promoting mutual reciprocity and a sense of justice.Equity vs. Equality in RelationshipsEquity is distinct from equality. Fairness does not...
380
01:20Social Foundations of Self II: The Generalized Other
382
According to George Herbert Mead, as children progress beyond the game stage, they develop a more comprehensive understanding of societal rules and norms. This cognitive and social development enables them to internalize the expectations of the broader community, refining their ability to regulate behavior.Consistent participation in organized activities is crucial in helping children recognize that their actions are not isolated but contribute to a more significant, interconnected group...
382
00:52Social Proof
32.6K
Social proof is a form of persuasion based on comparison and conformity. People compare their behavior and actions to what others are doing and will change to conform to do what their peers do.
32.6K
02:05Self-Presentation: Self-Monitoring and Self-Handicapping
45.2K
People can go to great lengths to protect their self-image and present themselves in ways that they want others to see them. Sociologist Erving Goffman presented the idea that a person is like an actor on a stage. Calling his theory dramaturgy, Goffman believed that we use “impression management” to present ourselves to others as we hope to be perceived. Each situation is a new scene, and individuals perform different roles depending on who is present (Goffman, 1959). Think about...
45.2K