Stefano Piasenti

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Abstract: In sequential interactions, both the agent’s intention and the outcome of his choice may influence the principal’s action. While outcomes are typically observable, intentions are more likely to be hidden, leaving potential wiggle room for the principal when deciding on a reciprocating action. We employ a controlled experiment to investigate how intentions and outcome affect the principal’s actions and whether principals use hidden information as an excuse to behave more selfishly. We find that principals react mainly to the intention of the agent. When intentions are not revealed by default, principals tend to select into information based on their inclination to behave more prosocially. While information avoidance is frequent and selfishness is higher with hidden information, we do not find evidence of a strategic exploitation of moral wiggle room.

Available as CESifo Working Paper No. 10572 

Abstract: How do men and women differ in their persistence after experiencing failure in a competitive environment? We tackle this question by combining a large online experiment (N=2,086) with machine learning. We find that when losing is unequivocally due to merit, both men and women exhibit a significant decrease in subsequent tournament entry. However, when the prior tournament is unfair, i.e., a loss is no longer necessarily based on merit, women are more discouraged than men. These results suggest that transparent meritocratic criteria may play a key role in preventing women from falling behind after experiencing a loss. 

Available as CRC TRR 190 Discussion Paper No. 513

Abstract: Behavioral differences by biological sex are still not fully understood, suggesting that studying gender differences through continuous identity might be a promising avenue to understand observed gender gaps. Using a large online U.S. sample (N = 2017) and machine learning, we create and validate a new two-dimensional gender identity measure with separate femininity and masculinity components. We show that confidence, competition, and risk are associated with masculine attributes, while altruism, equality, and efficiency with feminine ones. By drawing upon the principles of hidden heterogeneity to uncover attributes that are otherwise neglected by the dichotomy of biological sex we provide new possibilities for targeted policymaking.