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Religion and trust: An experimental study

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  • Tan, Jonathan H.W.
  • Vogel, Claudia

Abstract

What is the relationship between religion and trust? Using a questionnaire, we elicit data on individual religiosity. Measures of individual religiosity are then analyzed alongside behavior in an experimental trust game. Here, trusters are - at times - informed of their potential trustee's religiosity. We find that more religious trustees are trusted more, and such behavior is more pronounced in more religious trusters. More religious trustees are found to be trustworthier.

Suggested Citation

  • Tan, Jonathan H.W. & Vogel, Claudia, 2008. "Religion and trust: An experimental study," Journal of Economic Psychology, Elsevier, vol. 29(6), pages 832-848, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:joepsy:v:29:y:2008:i:6:p:832-848
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Religiosity Trust Stereotype Questionnaire Experiment;

    JEL classification:

    • Z12 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Religion
    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • C72 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Noncooperative Games

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