Dictator Game, Altruism
The Dictator's Choice
The Dictator's Choice is a Dictator Game and Altruism scenario. The core lesson: People give more than they 'have to,' which means 'rational self-interest' is incomplete. You're given $100. You can split it with a stranger however you want. DecisionPlay maps the players, payoffs, and equilibrium dynamics that shape how this situation typically resolves.
The situation
You're given $100. You can split it with a stranger however you want. They have no say. They can't refuse, complain, or retaliate. How much do you give them?
Background
The Dictator Game is the purest test of altruism. Pure rational self-interest says keep all $100. But experiments consistently show people give between 20% and 40% on average, even when guaranteed anonymity. This is evidence that humans have a baseline of unconditional generosity built in. The game also reveals interesting variations: giving goes up when the recipient is identified, when they are 'deserving,' and when the giver feels watched.
What this reveals
Baseline altruism and the observation effect
Humans give to strangers even without incentive. But they give more when watched, more when the recipient is deserving, and less when they can justify keeping it.
How to counter it: When you give, notice whether you're giving to help the recipient or to see yourself as a generous person. Both are fine, but they're different.
A question to sit with
When you give, time, money, attention, are you giving to help the recipient, or to see yourself as a generous person? Both are fine, but they're different.
Frequently asked questions
- What game theory concept does The Dictator's Choice illustrate?
- The Dictator's Choice illustrates Dictator Game, Altruism. People give more than they 'have to,' which means 'rational self-interest' is incomplete.
- What is the situation in The Dictator's Choice?
- You're given $100. You can split it with a stranger however you want. They have no say.
- What does The Dictator's Choice reveal about how people decide?
- Baseline altruism and the observation effect. Humans give to strangers even without incentive. But they give more when watched, more when the recipient is deserving, and less when they can justify keeping it.
- How do you avoid the trap in The Dictator's Choice?
- When you give, notice whether you're giving to help the recipient or to see yourself as a generous person. Both are fine, but they're different.
- What is the research behind The Dictator's Choice?
- The Dictator Game is the purest test of altruism. Pure rational self-interest says keep all $100. But experiments consistently show people give between 20% and 40% on average, even when guaranteed anonymity.
- How long does The Dictator's Choice take to play?
- About 5 min, at intro difficulty, across 4 decision points. It runs in your browser with no account and no sign-in.
Keep exploring
More Classical Game Theory scenarios, or browse all scenarios. New to this? Start with how DecisionPlay works or the game theory glossary.
Topics: dictator, altruism, fairness, observation-effect