I really have to wonder about the validity of that study. In my experience, people are more willing to be generous if they have a compelling reason to do so. Do you give cash to every stranger who walks up to you on the street with their hand out? Of course not; you make a judgment call. Sometimes you do and sometimes you don’t, but a lot depends on presentation. Why would you give cash to a total stranger you will never see, when the only thing you know about them is that they showed up for the same study you did?
And for that matter, the fact that you showed up for a study where you might get $10 is telling as well, is it not? If you need or want it that badly, are you very likely to generously give some to the other guy?
The trick about altruism is that only the giver knows why they give. So ask yourselves this: have you ever given something with no expectation of receiving anything aside from the warm fuzzy feeling you get when you know you’ve done the right thing?
And why is it considered bad to receive something – even just a private feeling of happiness or self-respect – for doing a good turn for someone else?
