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Increasing autonomy in charitable giving: The effect of choosing the number of recipients on donations

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  • Fehérová, Martina
  • Heger, Stephanie
  • Péliová, Jana
  • Servátka, Maroš
  • Slonim, Robert

Abstract

In many contexts people can choose how many charities to help. This paper presents results from a laboratory experiment that varies whether the subjects have a choice in the number of charities to donate to and whether they are given an option to opt out. We find that the choice increases donation frequency, but does not influence donation amounts. If the choice also includes the opt-out option, there is no increase in the donation frequency or amount.

Suggested Citation

  • Fehérová, Martina & Heger, Stephanie & Péliová, Jana & Servátka, Maroš & Slonim, Robert, 2022. "Increasing autonomy in charitable giving: The effect of choosing the number of recipients on donations," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 217(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolet:v:217:y:2022:i:c:s0165176522002397
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econlet.2022.110701
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    Cited by:

    1. Catherine C. Eckel & Hanna G. Hoover & Erin L. Krupka & Nishita Sinha & Rick K. Wilson, 2023. "Using social norms to explain giving behavior," Experimental Economics, Springer;Economic Science Association, vol. 26(5), pages 1115-1141, November.
    2. L. Becchetti & I.M. Buso & L. Corazzini & V. Pelligra, 2024. "The taste for Generativity," Working Paper CRENoS 202423, Centre for North South Economic Research, University of Cagliari and Sassari, Sardinia.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Altruism; Choice; Charitable giving; Choice architecture; Opt-out;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • D64 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Altruism; Philanthropy; Intergenerational Transfers
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making

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