Girls Spend More Time to be Generous in First Offer

Abstract

Introduction

Fairness is a fundamental factor for prosocial behaviors and have a crucial role in social interaction. Examining fairness during maturation can shed light on different questions and hypothesis about the development of prosociality across life span.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to investigate the development of strategic planning in children and adolescents.

Methods

A total of 288 healthy students between ages 7 and 18 from four community schools participated in a one-shut run game which the participants were proposed and should set a package of offers concluded six suggestions.

Results

Among 288 students, 128 (44.44%) participants were male and 160 (55.56%) participants were female. In first offer, 29.7% of boys suggested an unfair offer but girls with 23% were more generous. However, in last suggestion in comparison with girls (73% unfair), boys showed more generosity (64% unfair). Notably, girls in average, spent 135.78 seconds (SD = 86) to set their offers while boys needed less time to prepare their suggestions (117.16s, SD = 119.7)

Conclusion

According to the findings it seems that both genders start more generous offers and end up with less generous offers. In comparison with boys, girls need more time in economic decision-making and interestingly more fair options at the start of game.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.