EconSim
Game theoryClassroom · multi-user

Dictator Game — Fairness Without Strategy

Paired up, a Dictator alone splits 100 points and the Recipient simply receives — no accept or reject. With zero strategic pressure, whatever is given is pure generosity.

You’ll learn: See that giving persists even when the recipient cannot reject — isolating genuine generosity from the fear of rejection that drives the Ultimatum Game.

Teacher guide

Students will learn to

  • Experience deciding how to split a pot when the other side has no say at all.
  • Contrast the self-interested prediction (give nothing) with what real people do.
  • Separate fairness from strategy by comparing gifts here with Ultimatum offers, where rejection is possible.

Before the session — ask

  • If you could keep an entire 100 points and the other person could not object, how much would you hand over?
  • Why might someone give anything at all when there is no risk of the offer being rejected?

After the session — discuss

  • What was the most common amount given, and how many dictators kept everything?
  • How do gifts here compare with offers in the Ultimatum Game — where the responder can reject?
  • What does giving without any strategic pressure tell us about fairness and altruism?

Timing

  • Briefing & pairing3–5 min
  • Give3–5 min
  • Reveal & discussion8–10 min

Run it with your class

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