Cultural differences in donation decision-making

Yan Wang, Yi Yuan Tang, Jinjun Wang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

Decisions to help those in need are essential for human development and survival. Previous studies have demonstrated the "identified effect", in which one identifiable individual typically invokes stronger feelings of compassion and receives greater aid than statistical victim. However, this preference might be influenced by cultural differences. In the current study, Chinese respondents' ratings of distress and sympathy and their willingness to contribute are greater for a group of sick children than an individual. In the U.S., greater willingness to help and sympathy are elicited by an identified victim in comparison with an unidentified one. The different results may demonstrate the importance of cultural differences when trying to understand people's prosocial behavior.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number0138219
JournalPloS one
Volume10
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 15 2015
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • General Agricultural and Biological Sciences
  • General

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Cultural differences in donation decision-making'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this