Self-image and valuation of moral goods: Stated versus actual willingness to pay

B-Tier
Journal: Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization
Year: 2012
Volume: 84
Issue: 3
Pages: 879-891

Authors (2)

Johansson-Stenman, Olof (Göteborgs Universitet) Svedsäter, Henrik (not in RePEc)

Score contribution per author:

1.005 = (α=2.01 / 2 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

Hypothetical bias in stated-preference methods appears sometimes to be very large, and other times non-existent. This is here largely explained by a model where people derive utility from a positive self-image associated with morally commendable behavior. The results of a choice experiment are consistent with the predictions of this model; the hypothetical marginal willingness to pay (MWTP) for a moral good (contributions to a WWF project) is significantly higher than the corresponding real-money MWTP, whereas no hypothetical bias is seen for an amoral good (a restaurant voucher). Moreover, the evidence suggests that also the real-money MWTP for the moral good is biased upwards, in the sense that it appears to be higher within than outside the experimental context.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:eee:jeborg:v:84:y:2012:i:3:p:879-891
Journal Field
Theory
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-25