This project deals with the incentives and effects of sabotage behavior in competitive situations. In general, results from theoretical models, laboratory data and field data can be found in the literature. The field data comes mainly from analyses and statistics on behavior in sporting competitions. In these, rule-breaking and unsportsmanlike behavior is evaluated as sabotage behavior. A significant disadvantage in the analysis of this data arises from the fact that team competitions are often examined and the conditions relating to the direct added value of unsportsmanlike behavior are difficult to identify. At this point, it is planned to analyze data from gallop races, as both the prize and the competition situation are clearly defined. Furthermore, the riders in the competitions are lone fighters and usually make their decisions in short moments, from which a direct (relative) advantage is then generated. In addition, my contacts in this area enable me to obtain data and even video recordings of the relevant situations. I am currently in contact with partners from my network in Europe to arrange data access. The first study is being designed for 2026 with data from the British Horseracing Authority.
This text was translated with DeepL on 26/02/2026

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The project deals with the question of whether behavioral differences between East and West Germany are still as pronounced more than 30 years after reunification as they were shortly afterwards. This is to be investigated with the help of behavioral experiments in the innovation sample of the Socio-Economic Panel. To this end, an application for third-party funding was prepared and submitted to the DFG in order to acquire the personnel and material resources for this project. As part of the preparations, a pilot study was also carried out to investigate differences in reported behavior. The results are summarized in a working paper, which will be submitted for review and publication.
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Even more than three decades after reunification, differences in social behavior between East and West Germans persist. Using data from anonymized income tax statistics, we investigate whether an alignment in prosocial behavior patterns can be observed, focusing on charitable giving. Consistent with previous results from laboratory experiments and analysis of survey data, we find that differences in overall giving behavior persist. Furthermore, our analyses show that the differences within birth cohorts do not converge, but that there are even signs of divergence. On the other hand, younger birth cohorts who were socialized after reunification show smaller differences than older cohorts who were socialized in two different systems. Our results support the hypothesis that the age structure and its development over time impede the convergence of prosocial behavior patterns. Initially, the ageing effect has a stronger impact than the socialization effect. Over time, the natural change in cohort structure (differences between cohorts) should lead to a reduction in differences in social behavior. The fact that this has not (yet) been observed is due to the fact that the older cohorts are growing apart faster than younger generations. If this process is extrapolated accordingly, the demise of older cohorts will result in greater convergence in the population cross-section.
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An online survey with two information treatments will be used to investigate whether the population in Germany believes that a German pioneering role in climate protection efforts will lead to an increase in agreement on an internationally binding climate protection treaty. In the current literature, there are initial theoretical findings that unilateral efforts actually make the likelihood of a successful climate agreement at international level less likely. In an online survey that is as representative as possible, the aim is therefore to investigate whether people in Germany in general, and with knowledge of these findings in particular, believe that a pioneering role in climate protection efforts leads to an increase in the likelihood of successful climate negotiations. The online survey was conducted and the data is currently being analyzed and a working paper is being prepared, which will then be submitted for review and publication in 2026.
This text was translated with DeepL on 26/02/2026

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In this project, we examine whether and to what extent patterns of charitable donations still differ between the two parts of Germany more than 30 years after reunification. Despite significant convergence in living standards and many social attitudes, earlier studies have shown persistent differences in social behavior and solidarity-related values. This project asks whether such differences are also reflected in real-world acts of generosity.
Using anonymized individual data from the German income tax statistics (FAST) for the years 1998–2020, the project analyzes the incidence and amount of charitable donations and compares them between East and West Germany. These administrative data offer a large and detailed sample, allowing robust analysis over time.
Preliminary results suggest that people in East Germany donate less frequently and in smaller amounts than those in West Germany. While income differences initially explained much of this gap, the analysis indicates that over time, the unexplained (likely cultural or attitudinal) component has grown. Overall, the project will produce insights whether solidarity-related behaviors such as charitable giving still display a persistent East–West divide, which would suggest that historical, cultural, and institutional legacies of the socialist period continue to shape social behavior in reunified Germany.

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