Topic > The Ultimatum Game Hypothesis - 751

The Ultimatum Game is a scientific study that provides insight into the human condition through converging aspects of adversity and equity in the distribution of wealth. Observation of previous studies and analysis of the methodological structure of the experiment and the established data allows us to contemplate the hypotheses and attempt to create a strong link between the data and the hypotheses. Hypothesis 1 of the experiment states that proposers are more likely to make unfair offers in the gain frame condition of the Ultimatum game than in the loss frame condition. This hypothesis is supported by existing data showing that 51 offers were made in the gain frame, versus 28 in the loss frame; this strengthens hypothesis 1 as it shows a statistically significant difference in bids between the gain and loss frames. This statistical difference creates a link between the data and Hypothesis 1 which, in turn, rejects the null hypothesis as demonstrated by the p-value of 0.009. Furthermore, Hypothesis 2 states that acceptors will be more likely to accept very unfair offers in the loss frame condition than in the gain frame condition. This hypothesis is supported by evidence recorded from the Ultimatum game as 24 very unfair offers were accepted in the loss frame compared to 14 very unfair offers accepted in the gain frame. This link between hypothesis 2 and the recorded data also rejects the null hypothesis strengthened by the p value of .026. In contrast, Hypothesis 3 is statistically insignificant due to the higher p value. This higher value provides more margin for error and rejects the connection between the data and the Hypothesis. The methodological structure of the experiment has some possible discrepancies… half of the paper… automatic assumption that the loss frame is related to injustice. Fowler and Christakis (2013) explain that “variation in ultimatum gameplay is heritable.” Future research that could be conducted to improve the outcomes of the ultimatum game includes reducing the number of people in each experiment, which will help decrease this genetic inclination to reject offers due to the acceptor's perceived injustice. . Keeping the study within a similar group of people (i.e.: everyone studying psychology) will also be beneficial as you will avoid bias when conducting the experiment. References Fowler, J. & Christakis, N. (2013). A random world is a just world. 110, 10-11Zhou, X. and Wu, Y. (2011). Sharing losses and sharing gains: Increased demand for fairness in adversity. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 47, 582-588