Experimental evidence on the role of beliefs in prosocial behaviour

This thesis consists of three self-contained chapters exploring how the beliefs held by individuals and groups affect prosocial behaviour. Using experimental methodology, the present dissertation examines the role of beliefs in supporting self-serving behaviour and encouraging cooperation, as well as institutional factors which affect these beliefs. It advances the existing body of knowledge by providing novel insights into the interplay between beliefs about others and own behaviour, how the group decision-making environment affects how groups process new information, and finally the role of punishment mechanisms on normative beliefs and subsequent prosocial behaviour.