Objective      To determine the effect of social norms on self-other decision making and make explanations to the inconsistent of the risk preference in self-other decision making.       Methods       The experiment considered 2 factors

decision target (self or other) and the social norms (social norms accepted risk decisions

social norms were against risk decisions). A total of 68 participants took part in the experiment. They were asked to make decisions for themselves and for others in 2 types of decision situations. Participants’ decisions and response time were recorded.       Results      The main effect of social norms were significant for decision making

and the making was risked when not against social norms (P0.01). The interactions of decision target and social norms were significant (P0.01). The main effect of decision target were significant for decision making (P0.05). Shorter time was needed when making decision for self

and the interactions of decision target and social norms were significant (P0.05).       Conclusion      1) When making risk decisions is against social norms

people tend to taking higher risk when deicide for others than for themselves. 2) Individuals are more cautious for making decision for others

and spend longer time

especially when against social norms. Social norms can explain the inconsistent of the risk preference in self-other decision making.