Effects of Gain versus Loss of Reward on Actual and Perceived Altruism

Abstract

The effects of loss versus gain of reward on altruistic responding and subsequent self-ratings of altruism were examined for 46 male subjects. Subjects who lost reward were told they would lose experimental credit for helping. Subjects who gained reward were told they would receive full credit and do less work for helping. Control subjects were not asked for assistance. Subjects who lost reward were significantly less likely to help than subjects who gained reward. Subjects who lost reward and helped rated themselves significantly higher in altruism than all other subjects who did not differ.