Using priming manipulations to affect time preferences and risk aversion: An experimental study

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to test how priming manipulation affects time preference (subjective discount rates) and risk aversion. In this study, we exposed subjects to visual (pictorial) and textual priming for vacation and for old age in order to influence their time preference. The results indicate that our pictorial priming manipulations did affect time preference and subjective discount rates: vacation scenes increased present preference, and pictures of older people reduced present preference. The pictorial priming with vacation scenes also increased risk aversion. On the other hand, textual priming did not affect time preference or risk aversion.