In a one-time interaction, a Proposer is given $100 and must offer a portion of it to a Responder. The Responder can either accept the offer, in which case they both keep their shares, or reject it, in which case both receive nothing. The Responder is part of a social group known for valuing fairness and equality among its members above all else, and they are willing to enforce these norms even at a personal cost. If the Proposer offers the Responder just $10, what is the Responder's most likely action and why?

The Seafarer's Share

Rationality vs. Fairness in Decision-Making

In a one-shot interaction where a sum of money is to be split, an individual who rejects an offer of 20% of the total sum is acting irrationally, because receiving 20% is always financially preferable to receiving nothing.

Comparing Decision-Making Models

In a one-shot ultimatum game, a Proposer is given $100 and must offer a portion to a Responder. If the Responder rejects the offer, both players receive nothing. Match each Responder profile below to the minimum offer they would most likely accept.

You are a Proposer in a one-time interaction where you must split $100 with a Responder. If the Responder accepts your offer, you both get the agreed-upon shares. If they reject it, you both get nothing. You know from reliable sources that the Responder belongs to a community that values equal outcomes so strongly that they will reject any offer they perceive as unfair, even if it means they receive no money. To maximize your own financial gain, what offer should you make to the Responder?

The Responder's Dilemma

The Captain's Offer

In a one-time, anonymous interaction, one person (the 'Proposer') is given $1,000 and must offer a portion of it to a second person (the 'Responder'). If the Responder accepts the offer, the money is split as proposed. If the Responder rejects the offer, both people receive nothing. The Proposer offers $10, and the Responder rejects it. An observer concludes, 'The Responder's decision was irrational because receiving $10 is always better than receiving $0.' Which of the following statements provides the best critique of the observer's conclusion?

In a one-shot interaction where a sum of money is to be split, an individual who rejects an offer of 20% of the total sum is acting irrationally, because receiving 20% is always financially preferable to receiving nothing.