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Qualitative versus quantitative impact communications in humanitarian appeals: Findings from a field experiment

Author

Listed:
  • Chuah, Swee-Hoon
  • Feeny, Simon
  • Hannan, Timothy
  • Hoffmann, Robert
  • Neelim, Ananta

Abstract

We report a field experiment comparing the efficacy of two impact-based appeals conducted by Oxfam Australia. Both appeal types demonstrated Oxfam Australia’s previous humanitarian impact, one in a qualitative (narrative) and the other in a quantitative (statistical) manner. We find that the quantitative appeal caused both a greater number and size of donations. We also find heterogeneity in the treatment effects across donor characteristics.

Suggested Citation

  • Chuah, Swee-Hoon & Feeny, Simon & Hannan, Timothy & Hoffmann, Robert & Neelim, Ananta, 2024. "Qualitative versus quantitative impact communications in humanitarian appeals: Findings from a field experiment," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 243(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolet:v:243:y:2024:i:c:s0165176524004075
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econlet.2024.111923
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Christine L. Exley, 2020. "Using Charity Performance Metrics as an Excuse Not to Give," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 66(2), pages 553-563, February.
    2. Butera, Luigi & Horn, Jeffrey, 2020. "“Give less but give smart”: Experimental evidence on the effects of public information about quality on giving," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 171(C), pages 59-76.
    3. Lindauer, Matthew & Mayorga, Marcus & Greene, Joshua & Slovic, Paul & Västfjäll, Daniel & Singer, Peter, 2020. "Comparing the effect of rational and emotional appeals on donation behavior," Judgment and Decision Making, Cambridge University Press, vol. 15(3), pages 413-420, May.
    4. Karlan, Dean & Wood, Daniel H., 2017. "The effect of effectiveness: Donor response to aid effectiveness in a direct mail fundraising experiment," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), Elsevier, vol. 66(C), pages 1-8.
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    Keywords

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    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
    • D64 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Altruism; Philanthropy; Intergenerational Transfers
    • L31 - Industrial Organization - - Nonprofit Organizations and Public Enterprise - - - Nonprofit Institutions; NGOs; Social Entrepreneurship

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