The effects of reference points on fairness judgments

Abstract

In this study, we empirically investigate the effects of reference points on fairness judgments with the help of the vignette technique. Specifically, we examine (i) whether reference points have influence on fairness judgments or not, (ii) if and how counter-intuitive reference points influence fairness judgments, and (iii) how the asymmetry of reference points shape fairness judgments. For that purpose, we use a within-subject design, in which participants are confronted with three versions of vignette: vignettes without reference point, vignettes with salient reference point, and vignettes with counter-intuitive reference point. Consequently, our findings suggest that (i) the reference points significantly influence fairness judgments, (ii) introducing counter-intuitive reference points moderate the salience of reference points, and (iii) the asymmetry of salient reference points has a concave relationship with fairness judgments, while the asymmetry of counter-intuitive reference points does not affect fairness judgments.