Social Preferences and Communication as Stigma Mitigation Devices – Evidence from Recycled Drinking Water Experiments
Date
2016-03
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Department of Applied Economics and Statistics, University of Delaware, Newark, DE.
Abstract
Differences between private and public decision-making are quantified using
willingness-to-accept (WTA) data collected in artefactual field experiments.
Participants first makedecisions in a second-price auction (private rounds)
followed by majority-rule voting (public rounds) on the median price collected
in the private rounds. Results suggest that other-regarding behavior in the
public rounds regarding stigma and disgust can significantly reduce WTA. Chatbox
communication can further reduce WTA, and social preferences, education,
and unrelated communication are the primary drivers that lead participants to
accept significantly lower prices for potentially disgusting tasks. The results
have application for sustainable, cost-effective recycled water projects.
Description
Keywords
Interpretive strategies, Sustainable landscape practices, Public horticulture institutions, Botanical gardens, Survey, Efficacy, Knowledge
Citation
Kecinski, M., and K.D. Messer. 2016. “Social Preferences and Communication as Stigma Mitigation Devices – Evidence from Recycled Drinking Water Experiments.” Applied Economics & Statistics Research Report, University of Delaware, RR16-01.