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Two are better than one!: Individuals' contributions to "unpacked" public goods

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  • Bernasconi, Michele
  • Corazzini, Luca
  • Kube, Sebastian
  • Maréchal, Michel André

Abstract

We experimentally demonstrate how "unpacking" provides a possible approach for mitigating the dilemma of public goods provision through private contributions. Subjects' total contributions increase when a single public good is split into two identical public goods.

Suggested Citation

  • Bernasconi, Michele & Corazzini, Luca & Kube, Sebastian & Maréchal, Michel André, 2009. "Two are better than one!: Individuals' contributions to "unpacked" public goods," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 104(1), pages 31-33, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolet:v:104:y:2009:i:1:p:31-33
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Public goods Voluntary contributions Unpacking effect Laboratory experiment;

    JEL classification:

    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • C92 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Group Behavior
    • H40 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - General
    • H41 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - Public Goods

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