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Page last updated at 06:08 GMT, Thursday, 21 May 2009 07:08 UK

MP expense claims 'incredibly human'

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A wave of indignation has spread around the country following the revelation of MPs' expense claims, but would anyone behave differently if put in their position? Behavioural economist Dan Ariely conducts experiments that test how far normal people are willing to cheat while rationalising their actions to themselves. He predicts that "we would all be able" to make the same claims under the rules governing MPs' expenses.

This is an extended version of the broadcast interview.

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