There are some studies suggesting people sometimes donate to less effective charities even when informed that other charities are more effective. E.g. this paper found that people prefer to donate to cancer research even when told that arthritis research is more effective. We made similar findings in this paper.
These papers just ask one-off questions, though—they don’t concern whether sustained persuasion would cause people to change cause area. But they do indicate that preferences for particular cause areas often override effectiveness information.
There are some studies suggesting people sometimes donate to less effective charities even when informed that other charities are more effective. E.g. this paper found that people prefer to donate to cancer research even when told that arthritis research is more effective. We made similar findings in this paper.
These papers just ask one-off questions, though—they don’t concern whether sustained persuasion would cause people to change cause area. But they do indicate that preferences for particular cause areas often override effectiveness information.
Thanks! Good to know.