Document Type
Discussion Paper
Publication Date
4-1-2018
CFDP Number
2129R
CFDP Revision Date
May 1, 2019
CFDP Pages
27
Journal of Economic Literature (JEL) Code(s)
C91, C72, D83
Abstract
Using a large-scale hybrid laboratory and online trust experiment with pre-play communication this paper investigates how the passage of time affects trust, trustworthiness, and cooperation. We provide evidence for the persistent power of communication. Even when three weeks pass between messages and actual choices and even when these choices are made outside of the lab, communication (predominantly through the use of promises) raises cooperation, trust, and trustworthiness by about 50 percent. Delays between the beginning of the interaction and the time to reciprocate neither substantially alter trust or trustworthiness nor affect how subjects choose to communicate.
Recommended Citation
Ederer, Florian and Schneider, Frédéric, "The Persistent Power of Promises" (2018). Cowles Foundation Discussion Papers. 143.
https://elischolar.library.yale.edu/cowles-discussion-paper-series/143