Using Preference Estimates to Customize Incentives: An Application to Polio Vaccination Drives in Pakistan

James Andreoni, Michael Callen, Karrar Hussain, Muhammad Khan and Charles Sprenger

Natural Field Experiments from The Field Experiments Website

Abstract: We use structural estimates of time preferences to customize incentives for a sample of polio vaccinators during a series of door-to-door vaccination drives in Pakistan. Our investigation proceeds in three stages. First, we measure time preferences using intertemporal allocations of vaccinations. Second, we derive the mapping between these structural estimates and individually optimal incentives given a specific policy objective. Third, we experimentally evaluate the effect of matching contract terms to individual discounting patterns in a subsequent experiment with the same vaccinators. This exercise provides a test of the specific point predictions given by structural estimates of time preference. We document present bias among vaccinators and find that tailored contracts achieve the intended policy objective of smoothing intertemporal allocations of effort.

Date: 2016
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (24)

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Related works:
Journal Article: Using Preference Estimates to Customize Incentives: An Application to Polio Vaccination Drives in Pakistan (2023)
Working Paper: Using preference estimates to customize incentives: an application to Polio vaccination drives in Pakistan (2022)
Working Paper: Using Preference Estimates to Customize Incentives: An Application to Polio Vaccination Drives in Pakistan (2016)
Working Paper: Using Preference Estimates to Customize Incentives: An Application to Polio Vaccination Drives in Pakistan (2016)
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