Date of Graduation

Spring 1-31-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in International and Development Economics (MSIDEC)

College/School

College of Arts and Sciences

Department/Program

Economics

First Advisor

Alessandra Cassar

Second Advisor

Bruce Wydick

Abstract

In light of the pressing issue of climate change, our study investigates the implications of rising temperatures on social and economic behaviors through a laboratory experiment conducted among students at university sites in Mexico, India, Kenya, Colombia, and the United States. This paper examines the influence of temperature differences and exposure length on economic decision-making among students at university sites in Mexico, Kenya, and the United States. Analyzing data from the dictator game, we explored how temperature, both ambient and wet bulb, and session length affect prosocial behavior. Our results suggest a link between temperature measures and prosocial behavior, with significant moderating effects from gender and exposure length. However, caution is advised in interpreting these findings due to potential biases from data segmentation and limitations from using secondary data. Despite these challenges, our study offers valuable insights into the psychological and economic implications of climate change and underscores the need for further research on the complex interactions between temperature and decision-making.

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