Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 3, 2026
15:01
Peering into the Dynamics of Social Interactions: Measuring Play Fighting in Rats
Published on: January 18, 2013
16.0K
The dynamics of behavior in modified dictator games
Jeannette Brosig-Koch1, Thomas Riechmann2, Joachim Weimann3
1Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
Plos One
|April 28, 2017
Summary
Pro-social behavior declines over time, with individuals becoming more selfish in repeated experiments. Stable behavior was mainly observed in selfish participants, suggesting diminishing demand effects or moral self-licensing.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Economics
- Social Psychology
- Experimental Economics
Background:
- Understanding the long-term dynamics of pro-social behavior is crucial.
- Previous research often focuses on single-instance interactions, neglecting temporal changes.
- Factors influencing sustained altruism versus self-interest require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how individual pro-social behavior changes over multiple experimental sessions.
- To differentiate between genuine pro-sociality and other behavioral drivers like learning or reputation.
- To identify factors contributing to the observed changes in pro-social decision-making.
Main Methods:
- Repeatedly conducted the same non-strategic decision tasks and a sequential prisoners-dilemma control treatment with the same subjects.
- Collected data across several time points to track individual behavioral dynamics.
- Controlled for learning and reputation-building effects through experimental design.
Main Results:
- Pro-social concerns initially explained a significant portion of decisions.
- A notable decrease in pro-social decisions was observed over time.
- In the final experimental wave, most decisions aligned with pure selfishness.
- Consistent behavior over time was predominantly seen among purely selfish subjects.
Conclusions:
- Pro-social behavior tends to diminish in repeated experimental settings.
- Observed changes may be attributed to diminishing experimenter demand effects.
- Moral self-licensing offers a potential explanation for the decline in pro-sociality.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
02:20Dynamic Equilibrium
64.7K
A reversible chemical reaction represents a chemical process that proceeds in both forward (left to right) and reverse (right to left) directions. When the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are equal, the concentrations of the reactant and product species remain constant over time and the system is at equilibrium. A special double arrow is used to emphasize the reversible nature of the reaction. The relative concentrations of reactants and products in equilibrium systems vary greatly;...
64.7K
01:20Social Foundations of Self II: The Generalized Other
305
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...
305
01:21Behavior Modification
812
Behavioral approaches have often been criticized for ignoring mental processes and focusing solely on observable behavior. However, these approaches provide an optimistic perspective for individuals seeking to change their behaviors. Rather than concentrating on intrinsic personality traits, behavioral approaches suggest that even longstanding habits can be modified by changing the reward contingencies that maintain them.
A real-world application of operant conditioning principles is applied...
A real-world application of operant conditioning principles is applied...
812
01:19The Behavioral Perspective on Personality
900
Behaviorists view personality as primarily shaped by environmental reinforcements and consequences. According to this perspective, behavior is influenced by external stimuli, and individuals adjust their actions based on rewards and punishments. Over time, learning histories — accumulated patterns of reinforcement — play a significant role in shaping personality. Behaviors that lead to positive outcomes are reinforced, while those resulting in negative outcomes are diminished.
900
02:12Relationship Formation
46.3K
What do you think is the single most influential factor in determining with whom you become friends and whom you form romantic relationships? You might be surprised to learn that the answer is simple: the people with whom you have the most contact. This most important factor is proximity. You are more likely to be friends with people you have regular contact with. For example, there are decades of research that shows that you are more likely to become friends with people who live in your dorm,...
46.3K
01:24Social Foundations of Self I: Play and Game
254
The development of self in children is deeply rooted in social interactions, mainly through stages of play and structured games. These stages, outlined by sociologist George Herbert Mead, illustrate how children progressively learn to understand and adopt social roles, forming a cohesive sense of self.The Play Stage: Imitation and Simple Role-TakingIn the early years of childhood, the play stage is characterized by imitative behavior, where children engage in role-playing based on familiar...
254