AEA RCT Registry

The study seeks to analyse the impact cash transfers and of social psychological interventions (individually and in combination) on psychological and economic outcomes. Several sub-studies are associated with it.

External Link(s)

Registration Citation

Citation

Orkin, Kate et al. 2020. "Direct and Interaction Effects of Cash Transfers and Psychological Interventions Promoting Future Orientation on Economic Outcomes." AEA RCT Registry. December 17. https://doi.org/10.1257/rct.996-12.2.

Former Citation

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Experimental Details

Interventions

Intervention(s)

Three types of interventions are used in the trial:
- The psychologically active intervention consists of two back-to-back ten-minute aspirational videos, a facilitated goal-setting exercise, and the distribution of a reminder.
- The psychologically inactive intervention consists of two back-to-back ten-minute placebo videos, a facilitated placebo exercise, and the distribution of a reminder.
- The cash transfer intervention consists of the standard three-stage cash transfer program implemented by GiveDirectly.

In the course of the registration process for the cash transfers, eligible individuals are provided with a mobile money account as well as a mobile phone if they do not yet have these. This is followed by three mobile money transfers, made in intervals of approximately two months: a small transfer (`Token') of approximately USD100 (nominal 2016 dollars); a large transfer (`Lump Sum A') of approximately USD450; and a second large transfer (`Lump Sum B') of USD450 minus the price of the mobile phone.

Intervention Start Date

2016-11-01

Intervention End Date

2017-06-30

Primary Outcomes

Primary Outcomes (end points)

Assets, investment into economic activity, human capital investment, labour supply, revenue, consumption. We also examine the mechanisms through which the psychological intervention may work: self-efficacy, growth mindset, aspirations, expectations, preferences, depression and cognitive bandwidth.

Two initial analysis plans are enclosed in the initial registration (November 2016) for outcomes collected in the vicinity of the intervention, examining self-efficacy, growth mindset, aspirations and expectations, as well as cognitive outcomes.

Primary Outcomes (explanation)

See pre-analysis plans

Secondary Outcomes

Secondary Outcomes (end points)

See pre-analysis plans

Secondary Outcomes (explanation)

See pre-analysis plans

Experimental Design

The project follows a 2x2 factorial design, and villages randomly allocated into one of four treatment arms:
(1) Psychologically active intervention
(2) Placebo intervention
(3) Cash transfer intervention plus psychologically active intervention
(4) Cash transfer intervention plus placebo intervention
Within arm (3), the timing of the psychologically active intervention is randomized at the level of individuals.

Experimental Design Details

Not available

Randomization Method

Stratified randomization by computer.

Randomization Unit

Randomized at the village level.

Was the treatment clustered?

Yes

Experiment Characteristics

Sample size: planned number of clusters

415 villages

Sample size: planned number of observations