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A One-Sentence Nudge Against Present Focus

Author

Listed:
  • Ilia Aliaev

    (Corvinus University of Budapest)

  • Hubert János Kiss

    (ELTE Centre for Economic and Regional Studies; Corvinus University of Budapest)

Abstract

We test whether a single, neutral sentence reduces present-focused intertemporal choices. In a pre-registered classroom experiment (N=210) at Corvinus University of Budapest, first-year students made eight incentivized choices between a smaller immediate amount and larger amounts in two weeks. The treatment added a one-line, non-directive prompt—“Think carefully about all the possibilities that money would provide you”—intended to shift attention from when money arrives to what it enables. Descriptively and in OLS regressions, treated participants switch to the later–larger option at lower premia (effect size ≈ 0.1–0.2 SD), as hypothesized, but effects are not statistically significant. We interpret this as evidence that the prompt was too weak at the stakes and two-week horizon studied.

Suggested Citation

  • Ilia Aliaev & Hubert János Kiss, 2025. "A One-Sentence Nudge Against Present Focus," KRTK-KTI WORKING PAPERS 2512, Institute of Economics, Centre for Economic and Regional Studies.
    • Handle: RePEc:has:discpr:2512
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    JEL classification:

    • C90 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - General
    • D01 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Microeconomic Behavior: Underlying Principles
    • D9 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics

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