(Over-)Stylizing Experimental Findings and Theorizing with Sweeping Generality

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Date
2009Author
Güth, Werner
Kliemt, Hartmut
Levati, M. Vittoria
Quotable link
http://dx.doi.org/10.22029/jlupub-349Abstract
Human decision making is a process guided by different and partly competing motivations that can each dominate behavior and lead to different effects depending on strength and circumstances. `Over-stylizing' neglects such competing concerns and context-dependence, although it facilitates the emergence of elaborate general theories. We illustrate by examples from social dilemma experiments and inequality aversion theories that sweeping empirical claims should be avoided.
Original publication in
Rationality, markets, and morals: RMM 0 (2009), 239-249