Detailed Record



Cooperation under oath: A case for context-dependent preferences


Abstract The oath has been shown to improve behavior toward social objectives. Existing research suggests that the oath promotes pro-social behavior without affecting an underlying preference for cooperation. We examine whether an oath impacts behavior in the simultaneous and sequential versions of the prisoners’ dilemma and explore whether that impact could be attributed to a change of preference for the cooperative outcome. We observe an overwhelming transfer of reported strategies by oath-takers moving second from selfish (always defect) to conditionally cooperative (cooperate against cooperation by first movers). Our results lend support to the hypothesis that preferences depend on the oath-taking context.
Authors João Vaz ORCID , Jason F. Shogren University of WyomingORCID
Journal Info Elsevier BV | Economics Letters , vol: 229 , pages: 111229 - 111229
Publication Date 8/1/2023
ISSN 0165-1765
TypeKeyword Image article
Open Access hybrid Hybrid Access
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.econlet.2023.111229
KeywordsKeyword Image Social Preferences (Score: 0.49233)