Reciprocity models revisited: intention factors and reference values

Reciprocity models revisited: intention factors and reference values

Accepted: 14 April 2024 / Published online: 21 May 2024 | Janna Hinz, Andreas Nicklisch, Mey-Ling Sommer
This study revisits two established reciprocity models—intention factor and reference value models—and tests their predictions through a series of twelve mini-ultimatum games. The reference value model measures kindness based on the distance of an offer from a reference value, while the intention factor model assesses kindness through the inequity of an offer and the intention behind it. The results from online experiments show significant differences between actual behavior and the models' predictions. Specifically, the distance to the reference value does not accurately reflect the kindness of offers, and the pairwise comparison of offers with extreme values in richer settings makes offers indistinguishable. The study suggests that combining both models may provide a better description of behavior, as it incorporates both global assessments of intention and local evaluations of inequity. The findings highlight the limitations of both models and the need for more comprehensive theories to explain reciprocal behavior.This study revisits two established reciprocity models—intention factor and reference value models—and tests their predictions through a series of twelve mini-ultimatum games. The reference value model measures kindness based on the distance of an offer from a reference value, while the intention factor model assesses kindness through the inequity of an offer and the intention behind it. The results from online experiments show significant differences between actual behavior and the models' predictions. Specifically, the distance to the reference value does not accurately reflect the kindness of offers, and the pairwise comparison of offers with extreme values in richer settings makes offers indistinguishable. The study suggests that combining both models may provide a better description of behavior, as it incorporates both global assessments of intention and local evaluations of inequity. The findings highlight the limitations of both models and the need for more comprehensive theories to explain reciprocal behavior.
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