Year: 2018
Author: Michel, Corinna, Schneider, Julius
Vierteljahrshefte zur Wirtschaftsforschung, Vol. 87 (2018), Iss. 1 : pp. 119–131
Abstract
With the help of experiments, decision-making phenomena and cognitive biases can be examined more closely for their applicability as potential nudges in a controlled environment. These insights can shed light on how nudges can be applied effectively and efficiently, and where one should refrain from using them. Social feedback was used as an exemplary nudge in an online experiment. It is assumed, that social feedback can motivate subjects to be more productive. In the experiment, subjects had to slip into the role of a teacher and correct fictional dictations of students. Results of this experiment indicate that subjects generally corrected dictations faster if they had previously received negative social feedback. Likewise, those who were faster than the average, got slower after the intervention. However, there is also a downside to social nudging: subjects have made more mistakes during correction as a result of social feedback. Therefore it depends on the specific design of the social nudge, whether with its help, it is possible to achieve an overall positive effect on productivity.
Journal Article Details
Publisher Name: Global Science Press
Language: German
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3790/vjh.87.1.119
Vierteljahrshefte zur Wirtschaftsforschung, Vol. 87 (2018), Iss. 1 : pp. 119–131
Published online: 2018-01
AMS Subject Headings: Duncker & Humblot, Duncker & Humblot
Copyright: COPYRIGHT: © Global Science Press
Pages: 13
Keywords: Behavioral economics social norms experimental economics online experiments nudging D91 C91 D89 D90