Saving lives in the present versus saving lives in the future--is there a framing effect?
Johannesson, M.; Johansson, P.O.
Journal of Risk and Uncertainty 15(2): 167-176
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0895-5646 PMID: 12321457 DOI: 10.1023/a:1007786418821Document Number: 213020
This study considers how to compare programs which are designed to save lives. "To estimate the discount rate for lives saved in the future a number of studies have been carried out on the trade-off between saving lives now and in the future. A telephone survey is administered to about 1,700 individuals [in Sweden] to test if the framing of the question affects the estimated trade-off. In one sample the question is framed as saving 100 lives today versus saving x future lives and in one sample the question is framed as saving 100 future lives versus saving y lives today. The result shows that the framing has a major impact on the trade-off."