High-testosterone Men Reject Low Ultimatum Game Offers
Author Information
Author(s): Terence C. Burnham
Primary Institution: Harvard University
Hypothesis
If low ultimatum game offers are interpreted as challenges, then high-testosterone men may be more likely to reject such offers.
Conclusion
Men who reject low ultimatum game offers have significantly higher testosterone levels than those who accept.
Supporting Evidence
- Rejecters had an average testosterone level of 383 pmol l−1 versus 251 pmol l−1 for acceptors.
- 45% of subjects with above-average testosterone rejected the low offer compared to 7% of those with below-average testosterone.
- The study design ensured a significant probability of low offers being made.
Takeaway
This study found that men with higher testosterone are more likely to say no to low money offers in a game, which suggests they see those offers as challenges.
Methodology
The study involved 30 male graduate students playing an ultimatum game with offers of $5 or $25 out of $40, with testosterone levels measured from saliva samples.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in testosterone measurement due to the small sample size and the specific demographic of participants.
Limitations
The study only included male participants, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
All participants were male graduate students from Harvard University.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website