Autism, the Perfect Homo Economicus?
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2022-07-12
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en
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Abstract
This thesis analyses the decision making of autistic individuals in decisions involving risk, ambiguity and societal contexts, using a sample with 28 autistic and 42 neurotypical individuals. This research differentiates itself from previous research by providing many first-ever insights and using more detailed measurements of risk aversion.
Risk aversion is measured using Prospect Theory in a non-linear regression analysis. The results indicate a more-linear utility function for the autistic individuals, no significant difference within the weighting domain, and a higher degree of loss aversion for the autism group. Furthermore, a negative interaction effect is found between IQ and the loss aversion parameter for autistic individuals. Considering ambiguity aversion - measured using Ellsberg’s two-urn task - the findings indicate no significant difference between the autism and neurotypical groups in the gain domain. No significant difference can be found in the loss domain, but the evidence is not strong enough to support the alternative hypothesis of no difference. The Ultimatum and Dictator games are used to test risk in social situations. The findings reveal no significant difference for the Ultimatum game proposer’s side, a significantly lower minimum acceptable offer for autistic individuals, and no significant difference with the Dictator game.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen