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Central bank communication and website characteristics

Author

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  • Curti, Filippo
  • Kazinnik, Sophia

Abstract

This paper investigates the characteristics of central bank websites across a large sample of central banks. We systematically derive and quantify these characteristics across three dimensions: text, visual presentation, and website performance. We then conduct a survey to isolate the main determinants of user experience. We find that websites with higher visual complexity and lower visual contrast are perceived as more clear and credible. We build a set of time series metrics based on historical website data to capture the evolution of central bank websites with respect to clarity, attractiveness, ease of navigation, and credibility.

Suggested Citation

  • Curti, Filippo & Kazinnik, Sophia, 2023. "Central bank communication and website characteristics," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 212(C), pages 1216-1241.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeborg:v:212:y:2023:i:c:p:1216-1241
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2023.05.017
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Central bank communication; Transparency; Credibility; Alternative data; Visual presentation; User experience; Surveys;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E52 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit - - - Monetary Policy
    • E58 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit - - - Central Banks and Their Policies
    • D82 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Asymmetric and Private Information; Mechanism Design
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness

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