TY - JOUR

T1 - Is there a link between intelligence and lying?

AU - Drouvelis, Michalis

AU - Pearce, Graeme

PY - 2023/2

Y1 - 2023/2

N2 - In this paper we study the link between intelligence and lying. This is done under two distinct experimental paradigms: the die rolling paradigm, and the mind game paradigm. We compare the behaviour of subjects conditional on their intelligence in each of these paradigms when lying benefits the subject who lies (Selfish treatment) or a charitable cause (Charity treatment). We report some evidence that lying increases when it benefits a charitable cause, and limited evidence that more intelligent individuals increase lying when doing so benefits a charity. Our results are consistent with models of self–image concerns, and could have important implications for the existing lying literature.

AB - In this paper we study the link between intelligence and lying. This is done under two distinct experimental paradigms: the die rolling paradigm, and the mind game paradigm. We compare the behaviour of subjects conditional on their intelligence in each of these paradigms when lying benefits the subject who lies (Selfish treatment) or a charitable cause (Charity treatment). We report some evidence that lying increases when it benefits a charitable cause, and limited evidence that more intelligent individuals increase lying when doing so benefits a charity. Our results are consistent with models of self–image concerns, and could have important implications for the existing lying literature.

KW - Intelligence levels

KW - Die roll paradigm

KW - Honesty

U2 - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jebo.2022.12.008

DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jebo.2022.12.008

M3 - Article

VL - 206

SP - 182

EP - 203

JO - Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization

JF - Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization

SN - 0167-2681

ER -