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Framing effects in expert assessments of optimal GDP development

Author

Listed:
  • Suter, Manuel
  • Strahm, Noel
  • Bundeli, Till
  • Kaessner, Kaja
  • Cologna, Viktoria
  • Berger, Sebastian

    (University of Bern)

Abstract

The discussion about optimal economic development is a central topic across societies, usually focusing on annual Gross domestic product (GDP) growth rates. This study delves into the psychological implications of different GDP development framings among academic experts. In an online experiment involving 2,051 academic researchers, the present study uncovers significant variations in desired GDP developments depending on the framing of GDP growth. Prompting experts to state optimal GDP growth rates results in substantially larger GDP sizes compared to the desired growth factors over a period of 100 years. This phenomenon holds true across non-economists as well as economists. The findings underscore the importance of the psychological framing of economic growth in shaping individuals' perceptions and preferences. In addition, the research reveals disparities in the preferences for economic development, both between different academic disciplines and between the assessment of low-income and highincome countries.

Suggested Citation

  • Suter, Manuel & Strahm, Noel & Bundeli, Till & Kaessner, Kaja & Cologna, Viktoria & Berger, Sebastian, 2024. "Framing effects in expert assessments of optimal GDP development," OSF Preprints q4rwm, Center for Open Science.
    • Handle: RePEc:osf:osfxxx:q4rwm
    DOI: 10.31219/osf.io/q4rwm
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Anthony M. Yezer & Robert S. Goldfarb & Paul J. Poppen, 1996. "Does Studying Economics Discourage Cooperation? Watch What We Do, Not What We Say or How We Play," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 10(1), pages 177-186, Winter.
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    Cited by:

    1. Drews, Stefan, 2025. "Towards systems-oriented behavioral ecological economics," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 227(C).

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