Experiments on discrimination and social norms

Lane, Tom (2017) Experiments on discrimination and social norms. PhD thesis, University of Nottingham.

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Abstract

This dissertation presents three projects within the fields of behavioural and experimental economics. The first consists of a meta-analysis of lab experiments measuring economic discrimination. Most importantly, I find that the strength of discrimination in economics experiments varies depending on the dimension of identity across which discrimination is measured, and depending on the type of game used to measure it. The second project investigates the relationship between discriminatory behaviour and social norms. A lab experiments finds that discrimination is stronger when it is perceived to be more socially appropriate. In the third project, a field experiment investigates the effect of different nudges on voter registration rates. In particular, emphasising the possibility of being fined for failing to register is successful in raising registration rates, but offering the possibility of financial gain for registering is not. An online experiment in the same project suggests the conflicting normative effects of the two nudges may help explain these differences.

Item Type: Thesis (University of Nottingham only) (PhD)
Supervisors: Barr, Abigail
Nosenzo, Daniele
Keywords: Economics, Psychological aspects; Social norms; Discrimination; Voter registration
Subjects: H Social sciences > HB Economic theory
Faculties/Schools: UK Campuses > Faculty of Social Sciences, Law and Education > School of Economics
Item ID: 43708
Depositing User: Lane, Tom
Date Deposited: 14 Dec 2017 04:40
Last Modified: 15 Dec 2017 03:03
URI: https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/43708

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