Ambient Temperature, Social Perception and Social Behavior

Abstract

The literature suggests that human perception and behavior vary with physical temperature. We
provide an experimental test of how different ambient temperature conditions impact social
behavior and social perception: Subjects went through a series of tasks measuring various aspects
of social behavior and perception under three temperature conditions (cold vs. optimal vs. warm).
Despite well-established findings on temperature effects, our data suggest that physical
temperature has no relevant influence on social behavior and social perception. We corroborate
our finding of a null effect by the use of equivalence testing and provide a discussion in the light of
recent failed replication attempts in this field of research.

Keywords: social perception, ambient temperature, social preference, equivalence testing, cooperation, warmth

JEL Classification: C90, D01, D90, D91