Spiekermann, Kai 
ORCID: 0000-0003-4983-5589 and Weiss, Arne
(2016)
Objective and subjective compliance: a norm-based explanation of 'moral wiggle room'.
Games and Economic Behavior, 96.
pp. 170-183.
ISSN 0899-8256
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Abstract
We propose a cognitive-dissonance model of norm compliance to identify conditions for selfishly biased information acquisition. The model distinguishes between: (i) objective norm compliers, for whom the right action is a function of the state of the world; (ii) subjective norm compliers, for whom it is a function of their belief. The former seek as much information as possible; the latter acquire only information that lowers, in expected terms, normative demands. The source of 'moral wiggle room' is not belief manipulation, but the coarseness of normative prescriptions under conditions of uncertainty. In a novel experimental setup, we find evidence for such strategic information uptake. Our results suggest that attempts to change behavior by subjecting individuals to norms can lead to biased information acquisition instead of compliance.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Official URL: | http://www.journals.elsevier.com/games-and-economi... |
| Additional Information: | © 2015 Elsevier Inc. |
| Divisions: | Government |
| Subjects: | H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) Q Science > QA Mathematics |
| JEL classification: | C - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods > C9 - Design of Experiments > C91 - Laboratory, Individual Behavior D - Microeconomics > D6 - Welfare Economics > D63 - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement D - Microeconomics > D8 - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty > D83 - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief |
| Date Deposited: | 09 Dec 2015 16:05 |
| Last Modified: | 09 Oct 2024 19:54 |
| Funders: | University of Erfurt, London School of Economics |
| URI: | http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/64643 |
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