Maxims nudge equitable or efficient choices in a Trade-Off Game

The core problem in the distribution dilemma is how to trade-off between equity and efficiency. With the development of socio-economic conditions, the optimal decision will also change between equitable and efficient options. How to nudge decision-makers to make optimal allocation decisions without changing the event itself is extremely important. This study used a mixed design of 3 (division schemes: 12:15:23, 15:23:12, 23:12:15) x 2 (maxim: equity, efficiency) x 2 (stakes: low, medium, high), which explores the impact of additional maximal information on the trade-off between equity and efficiency, and explores whether the stakes and division scheme will affect the nudging effect of the maxim in a Trade-Off Game (TOG). We found that participants were affected by maxim information in decision-making scenarios, and participants showed different equal preference as the maxim information changed, no matter the stakes is small, medium or high. We also found that the nudging effect of the maxim only exists under the condition that the distributor's own interests are not affected.