Emotions, sanctions and cooperation

Arbeitspapier

We use skin conductance responses and self-reports of hedonic valence to study the emotional basis of cooperation and punishment in a social dilemma. Emotional reaction to free-riding incites individuals to apply sanctions when they are available. The application of sanctions activates a virtuous emotional circle that accompanies cooperation. Emotionally aroused cooperators relieve negative emotions when they punish free riders. In response, the free-riders experience negative emotions when punished, and increase their subsequent level of cooperation. The outcome is an increased level of contribution that becomes the new standard or norm. For a given contribution level, individuals attain higher levels of satisfaction when sanctioning institutions are in place.

Object Details

• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Series: IZA Discussion Papers ; No. 5592

Classification and Topics

• Classification: Wirtschaft ; Design of Experiments: Laboratory, Group Behavior ; Externalities ; Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement ; Altruism; Philanthropy; Intergenerational Transfers ; Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances; Revolutions
• Subject: emotions ; sanctions ; cooperation ; experiment ; skin conductance responses ; Gefangenendilemma ; Trittbrettfahrerverhalten ; Strafe ; Emotion ; Kooperation ; Test

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Geistige Schöpfung
• (who): Joffily, Mateus ; Masclet, David ; Noussair, Charles N. ; Villeval, Marie Claire
• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (who): Institute for the Study of Labor (IZA)
• (where): Bonn
• (when): 2011

Further information

• Handle: http://hdl.handle.net/10419/51999
• URN: urn:nbn:de:101:1-201104134145
• Last update: 10.03.2025, 11:45 AM CET