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Estimating the effect on happiness through question randomization: An application to blood donation

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  • Degli Antoni, Giacomo
  • Vittucci Marzetti, Giuseppe

Abstract

We rely on the randomized activation of the heuristic of attribute substitution to analyze the effect of blood donation on donors' happiness. We randomly delivered two versions of a questionnaire where the happiness question is alternatively placed immediately before or after a categorical question asking about the blood donor condition of the respondent (non-donor, previously donor, donor). By comparing the answers given to the happiness question in the two versions, we find a positive effect of donating blood on donors' happiness. We discuss the pros and cons of this method to investigate the determinants of subjective well-being.

Suggested Citation

  • Degli Antoni, Giacomo & Vittucci Marzetti, Giuseppe, 2022. "Estimating the effect on happiness through question randomization: An application to blood donation," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 309(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:309:y:2022:i:c:s0277953622005615
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115255
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Attribute substitution; Blood donation; Happiness; Pro-social behavior; Subjective well-being;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C21 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models
    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • D61 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Allocative Efficiency; Cost-Benefit Analysis
    • D64 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Altruism; Philanthropy; Intergenerational Transfers
    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being

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