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We present three studies using multiple methods to assess the effects of economics education on greed.
A Summary of the Three Studies and Their Major Findings
Study 1
The Dictator Game Behavioral Task
1. Econ students kept $7.76/$10; Ed students kept $6.50/$10
2. 56% of Ed students mentioned fairness versus 31% of Econ students
3. 8/13 non-Econ majors in an Econ class kept $10 vs. 1/13non-Ed majors in an Ed class.
Study 2
Self-reported stories Evaluative ratings of greed
1. Econ major and 3+ courses: moral ratings of greed increased. 3+ courses also led to more positive feelings about own greedy actions.
2. Women rated greed as less moral than men if they were not econ majors; they also had more negative feelings about their own greedy actions.
3. Econ majors were less likely to mention greed‘s social impact
Study 3
Self-interest statements Evaluative Ratings of greed
1.Positive statements about self-interest led to positive moral ratings of greed
2.Women rated greed as less moral, but not significantly
