The Benefits of Betrayal Aversion
Author Information
Author(s): Jason A. Aimone, Daniel Houser
Primary Institution: Interdisciplinary Center for Economic Science, George Mason University
Hypothesis
Reciprocation is more frequent when investors exhibit betrayal aversion.
Conclusion
Groups including betrayal-averse agents achieve higher levels of reciprocity and more profitable social exchange than groups lacking betrayal aversion.
Supporting Evidence
- Groups with betrayal-averse investors are expected to hold an evolutionary advantage.
- Betrayal aversion reduces willingness to trust but increases rates of reciprocation.
- Trust is a monetarily profitable venture despite emotional risks.
Takeaway
People who are afraid of being betrayed are better at working together and sharing than those who aren't afraid.
Methodology
Laboratory experiments using trust games with human participants.
Potential Biases
Potential biases in participant selection and the artificial nature of laboratory settings.
Limitations
The study is based on one-shot experiments, which may not reflect long-term social interactions.
Participant Demographics
228 human subjects participated in the experiments.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.022
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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