Fast = Sincere: The effect of interactive partner decision time in social dilemmas

Key Points

• This research explores how the duration of decision-making impacts perceptions of sincerity and cooperation in social dilemmas.
• Pre-experiments identified appropriate time limits for decision-making.
• Experiment 1 manipulated decision time using a direct perception and indirect prompt paradigm to assess its effect on perceived sincerity.
• Experiments 2a to 2c tested the relationship between decision time, perceived sincerity, and cooperation behavior, controlling for alternate explanations.
• Quick decisions enhance perceived sincerity without affecting perceived competency.
• The effect on cooperation is mediated by perceived sincerity and the expectation of cooperation.
• Results indicate this effect is significant among prosocial individuals, but not among those with self-serving tendencies.