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Replication and Adaptation of Incentivized Peer Outreach: From Tuberculosis in India to COVID-19 in Zambia (WP-22-39)

Alfredo Burlando, Pradeep Chintagunta, Jessica Goldberg, Melissa Graboyes, Peter Hangoma, Dean Karlan, Mario Macis, and Silvia Prina

The researchers replicate the test of a theoretical framework put forward and tested by Goldberg et al. (2022) on financial incentives to send peers information about health behaviors. The study they replicate validated the theory in the context of tuberculosis testing in India. They adapt the intervention to preventative COVID-19-related behaviors in Zambia. Similar to the India study, individuals respond favorably to the suggestion to pass messages to peers; however, unlike in India, financial incentives neither generate further passing of messages nor cause changes in health behaviors. The researchers discuss the contextual differences that may explain why key results failed to replicate.

Alfredo Burlando, Associate Professor of Economics, University of Oregon

Pradeep Chintagunta, Joseph T. and Bernice S. Lewis Distinguished Service Professor of Marketing, Booth School of Business, University of Chicago

Jessica Goldberg, Associate Professor of Economics, University of Maryland

Melissa Graboyes, Associate Professor of African & Medical History, Clark Honors College, University of Oregon

Peter Hangoma, Lecturer, Department of Economics, University of Zambia

Dean Karlan, Frederic Esser Nemmers Chair, Professor of Economics and Finance, and IPR Associate, Kellogg School, Northwestern University

Mario Macis, Professor of Economics, Johns Hopkins Carey School of Business

Silvia Prina, Associate Professor of Economics, Northeastern University

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