The Power of Reciprocity: Fairness, Reciprocity, and Stakes in variants of the dictator game

Abstract

In two experiments, the existence and extent of altruistic reciprocity is explored in the context of a simple experimental game, "the sequential dictator". Findings show that altruistic reciprocity is frequent and robust, and the reciprocity norm does not erode if stakes are raised. Implications of the findings for social theory further empirical research are discussed.