Shaun Hargreaves-Heap (KCL): An experiment on the stability of social preferences

Abstract: This paper examines the robustness of individual pro-sociality and individual discriminatory behaviour, as measured by the in-group bias in pro-sociality. Discriminatory behaviour is not robust in two respects. First, there is discrimination in aggregate in the Trust and Public goods game but it disappears in the market framed decision over whether to compete. Second, individual discrimination in one decision problem does not help predict individual discrimination in another. This contrasts with correlation in individual pro-sociality in the Trust and Public Goods games. These insights are reinforced by an examination of the personality predictors of pro-sociality and the in-group bias.