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Priming Attitudes Towards Immigrants: Implications for Migration Research and Survey Design

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  • Patrick Dylong
  • Paul Setzepfand
  • Silke Uebelmesser

Abstract

Using data from two representative and large-scale population surveys with more than 4000 participants, we investigate the effect of randomized priming interventions on attitudes towards immigrants. We document robust null effects of these interventions under two experimental settings, across two surveys and for a range of specifications. Our results suggest that (economic) attitudes towards immigrants are less sensitive to priming than previous research indicates. We thus provide (i) a reference point for settings in which intentional priming interventions are ineffective, and (ii) an upper bound for unintended priming effects. We argue that researchers should not be overly concerned about confounding priming effects when designing surveys to elicit attitudes towards immigrants.

Suggested Citation

  • Patrick Dylong & Paul Setzepfand & Silke Uebelmesser, 2023. "Priming Attitudes Towards Immigrants: Implications for Migration Research and Survey Design," CESifo Working Paper Series 10306, CESifo.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:ceswps:_10306
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Anderson, Michael L., 2008. "Multiple Inference and Gender Differences in the Effects of Early Intervention: A Reevaluation of the Abecedarian, Perry Preschool, and Early Training Projects," Journal of the American Statistical Association, American Statistical Association, vol. 103(484), pages 1481-1495.
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    1. Cristina Cattaneo & Daniela Grieco & Nicola Lacetera & Mario Macis, 2025. "Out‐group penalties in refugee assistance: a survey experiment," Scandinavian Journal of Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 127(4), pages 697-741, October.

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • C83 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - Survey Methods; Sampling Methods
    • C90 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - General
    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
    • F22 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Migration

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