Altruistic behaviour in humans
Background
How altruistic are humans? Why are some people willing to contribute to the fitness of others, even if it bears a cost to themselves? Do men and women differ in the degree of altruistic behaviour, and is this confined to specific situations? How do people respond to information about altruistic behaviour of others? These questions and many others are the topic of an increasing body of literature from a wide range of research fields. The topic has accumulated much interest, also in biology. Altruism is well-known in kin selection, but also altruism to unrelated individuals can have a biological explanation: it could be a costly quality signal that could increase reproductive success in humans. There are two ways to make altruistic behaviour in humans the topic of your internship.
(1). You can use data from a representative sample of Dutch people from the biannual ‘Donating in The Netherlands’-study. The respondents filled out a questionnaire about their donation behaviour to charity. This long term study follows a large number (N>1.200) of families from 2002 onwards. After each successive questionnaire respondents received a reward (on average €9) which they could keep for themselves or donate to charity. There are various experiments with these rewards that have not been analysed. These data can be used to test theories about altruism.
Approach:
Formulate hypotheses about altruistic behaviour
Extract the necessary data form the existing questionnaires
Statistical analysis and write report
(2). You can collect data about altruism in an experiment that you set up yourself. Using the internet, it is easy to get access to a large number of people for the questionnaire. In an earlier study that was set up this way, we found that altruistic behaviour of people was determined by their expectations about altruistic behaviour of others. The exact influence of expectations may depend on the general willingness of people to donate, as well as the personality of people, but this requires further research. Clever design of a new experiment could solve these questions. It is also possible to work on other aspects of altruistic behaviour.
Approach:
Formulate hypotheses about altruistic behaviour
Design experiments and set up internet questionnaire
Statistical analyses and write report
Knowledge of the Dutch language is required
Supervision and information
Prof. Dr. Jacintha Ellers (Room H128, W&N building, Vrije Universiteit)
Email: jacintha.ellers@falw.vu.nl; Ph: +31-20-5987076
or
Dr. Rene Bekkers (Buitenveldertselaan 3, Metropolitan, Z-434, Vrije Universiteit)
Email r.bekkers@fsw.vu.nl; Phone +31 20 59 86493
This internship opportunity is a joint project between Philanthropic Studies and Animal Ecology.
