Scandinavian Working Papers in Economics
Working Papers in Economics,
University of Gothenburg, Department of Economics
No 456: Are They Watching You and Does It Matter? - Evidence from a Natural Field Experiment
Francisco Alpízar () and Peter Martinsson ()
Additional contact information
Francisco Alpízar: Environment for Development Program, CATIE, Postal: Turrialba, Costa Rica
Peter Martinsson: Department of Economics, School of Business, Economics and Law, Göteborg University, Postal: Box 640, SE 40530 GÖTEBORG
Abstract: In a natural field experiment, we tested whether being alone or in a group had an effect on prosocial behavior as expressed in donations to a recreational park. We also explored whether the presence of people exogenous to the group at the time of the donation had any behavioral effect. Our first treatment aimed at identifying peer effects, whereas our second treatment was similar to being in the public eye. We found that being in a group significantly increases the share of people acting prosocially. Moreover, we found that only individuals who are part of a group are positively affected by the presence of a third party.
Keywords: Donation; natural field experiment; prosocial behavior; public disclosure
12 pages, July 7, 2010
- Published as
- Francisco Alpízar and Peter Martinsson, (2013), 'Are They Watching You and Does It Matter? - Evidence from a Natural Field Experiment', Scandinavian Journal of Economics, vol 115, pages 74-83
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