Is a Donor in Hand Better than Two in the Bush? Evidence from a Natural Field Experiment

• DOI: 10.1257/aer.100.3.958
• Publication Date: 2010-06-28T15:09:43Z
• Authors: Craig E Landry; Andreas Lange; John A List; Michael K Price; Nicholas G Rupp
• Keywords: Substitution (logic); Natural experiment

This study examines why people initially give to charities, they remain committed the cause, and what factors attenuate these influences. Using an experimental design that links donations across distinct treatments separated in time, we present several results. For example, previous donors are more likely give, contribute more, than other donor types. Yet, how were acquired is critical: agents attracted by economic mechanism continue giving a nonmechanism factor. From methodological viewpoint, our showcases benefit of moving beyond focuses on short-run substitution effects. (JEL C93, D64, D82, H41, L31, Z12)