Introduction

Extensive experimental studies have established the truth that the amount of giving in ultimatum and dictator games is greater than predicted by standard economic theory based on an especially unsophisticated form of self-interest defined as always choosing dominant outcomes, whatever the circumstances. The replicable results from these games alone, however, are subject to overinterpretation in terms of social utility without testing this interpretation in less restrictive interactions.

Thus, “Since the equilibria are so simple to compute … the ultimatum game is a crisp way to measure social preferences rather than a deep test of strategic thinking” (Camerer, 2003, p. 43). You do not generally learn more about the wellsprings of behavior by constraining choice and suppressing opportunity cost as it arises in more relaxed environments.