Data and Codes for 'Charitable giving role-modeling: parent transmission frequency and adolescent reception'

Experiments indicate that adult role-modeling of giving has a causal effect on giving done by children, but a previous investigation using data from a natural setting suggests zero causal effect of parental role-modeling on their adolescents’ giving. This paper presents new evidence about the divergent findings: (1) parental giving does not automatically translate into an adolescent knowing that their parent gives, and (2) adolescents are much less likely to know that their parent gives if the parent gives from time-to-time. The results suggest new experimental designs that randomize the frequency of role-modeling, communication approaches that explain role-modeling actions to children, and whether the receiving organization is in-group or out-group. Practical implications of the results are that frequent giving by a parent is necessary for adolescents to successfully ‘receive’ the role model, but may not be sufficient. Purposeful communication is needed to ensure that adolescents know their parent is giving.