Working Paper: NBER ID: w9449
Authors: Steven D. Levitt
Abstract: In most settings, it is difficult to measure discrimination, and even more challenging to distinguish between competing theories of discrimination (taste-based versus information-based). Using contestant voting behavior on the television game show Weakest Link, one can in principle empirically address both of these questions. On the show, contestants answer questions and vote off other players, competing for a winner-take-all prize. In early rounds, strategic incentives encourage voting for the weakest competitors. In later rounds, the incentives reverse, and the strongest competitors become the logical target. Controlling for other observable characteristics including the number of correct answers thus far, both theories of discrimination predict that in early rounds, excess votes will be made against groups targeted for discrimination. In later rounds, however, taste-based models predict continued excess votes, whereas statistical discrimination predicts fewer votes against the target group. Empirically, I find some evidence of information-based discrimination towards Hispanics (i.e., other players perceive them as having low ability) and taste-based discrimination against older players (i.e., other players treat them with animus). There is little in the data to suggest discrimination against women and Blacks.
Keywords: Discrimination; Taste-based discrimination; Information-based discrimination; Weakest Link; Contestant behavior
JEL Codes: J71
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| early rounds (D44) | increased propensity to vote off members of targeted groups (D72) |
| taste-based discrimination (J71) | increased votes against older contestants (K16) |
| statistical discrimination (J71) | decreased votes against Hispanics in later rounds (K16) |
| taste-based models (D11) | persistent votes against older contestants (D72) |
| information-based discrimination (J71) | increased votes against Hispanics in early rounds (K16) |