A Multi-Factor Decision-Making Process Model for the Evolution of Fair Distribution

Lu Chunlei; Li Xing; Zheng Hui; Wang Min; Zhao Xiaozheng; Gao Ziyuan; Li Jingjing; Zhou Xiaolin

doi:10.16719/j.cnki.1671-6981.20250608

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Journal of Psychological Science ›› 2025, Vol. 48 ›› Issue (6) : 1384-1393. DOI: 10.16719/j.cnki.1671-6981.20250608

Computational Modeling and Artificial Intelligence

A Multi-Factor Decision-Making Process Model for the Evolution of Fair Distribution

Lu Chunlei¹, Li Xing², Zheng Hui³, Wang Min⁴, Zhao Xiaozheng¹, Gao Ziyuan¹, Li Jingjing¹, Zhou Xiaolin^1,5

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Abstract

The fair distribution of jointly acquired resources is a fundamental prerequisite for maintaining cooperative relationships across human societies. Although numerous studies have used agent-based simulations (ABS) to investigate how humans evolved preferences for fair resource allocation, they often examine individual factors in isolation, failing to provide a comprehensive understanding of the underlying evolutionary mechanisms. The biological market theory, which posits that interactions between organisms resemble trading behaviors observed in economic markets, offers a promising framework for integrating these disparate elements into a coherent whole.
Building on this theory, we identify four critical factors in the evolution of fair distribution, including reputation, partner choice, outside options, and cognitive empathy. Reputation refers to the awareness of other individuals' decision-making preferences. Partner choice involves selecting whom to cooperate with. Outside options denote the expected benefits from cooperating with alternative agents. Cognitive empathy encompasses understanding and considering the cognitive decision-making processes of others. Extensive ABS research has shown that reputation is fundamental to the evolution of fair distribution. Partner choice allows agents to select partners, driven by the presence of better outside options. Cognitive empathy often evolves concurrently with fair distribution and can further promote its development.
We subsequently integrate these four interconnected elements to propose a comprehensive decision-making process model that captures the evolutionary dynamics of fair distribution. This model formally describes the cognitive calculus through which two agents evaluate whether to maintain their current cooperative relationship or seek alternative partnerships. Specifically, the decision-making process involves three sequential but interdependent considerations: (1) Whether there are other potential partners who could provide significantly greater cooperative benefits; (2) Whether the anticipated incremental benefits of cooperating with alternative partners sufficiently outweigh the costs associated with switching partners; and (3) Whether these considerations would be deemed valid and compelling from the perspective of the current partner, thereby creating reciprocal expectations. This sophisticated decision-making process model inherently incorporates all four identified factors, demonstrating their functional interdependence. Simulation results demonstrate that this model effectively captures the emergence of fair distribution preference and behavior. Further simulation analysis verifies the model's explanatory power and highlights the adaptive functions of cognitive empathy and the consideration of multiple outside options within the framework of the biological market theory.
Looking ahead, we identify two key directions for future research. First, we suggest moving beyond simple equality-based norms to explore the evolution of more nuanced fairness forms, such as proportional distribution based on contribution or need, and various forms of distributive justice, including liberal egalitarianism. This will help us better capture the complexity of fairness in real-world contexts. Second, while our current simulation effectively models cognitive decision-making processes in the evolution of fair distribution, future work should integrate evolutionary simulations with psychological experiments, computational modeling, and brain imaging studies. This integration will elucidate how our evolved biology shapes fair-sharing behavior and provide a more complete link between evolutionary theory, cognitive mechanisms, and observable actions.
In this review, we explored the evolution of fair distribution using ABS technology. Grounded in biological market theory, we highlighted the key roles of reputation, partner selection, outside options, and cognitive empathy in driving fair distribution. We also integrated these elements into a model that captures the cognitive decision-making process of agents and demonstrated how biological market theory can unify multiple factors in the evolution of fair distribution. We believe this model offers a comprehensive understanding of the evolutionary mechanisms underlying fair distribution and may inform the development and implementation of fair distribution policies.

Key words

fairness / resource distribution / evolutionary mechanism / agent-based simulations / biological market theory

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Lu Chunlei, Li Xing, Zheng Hui, Wang Min, Zhao Xiaozheng, Gao Ziyuan, Li Jingjing, Zhou Xiaolin. A Multi-Factor Decision-Making Process Model for the Evolution of Fair Distribution[J]. Journal of Psychological Science. 2025, 48(6): 1384-1393 https://doi.org/10.16719/j.cnki.1671-6981.20250608

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