Narrative Persuasion by Kai Barron

Join us for this week's event in the Behavioural, Experimental and Development Economics Seminar Series, Spring Term 2024

Join Kai Barron, from WZB-Berlin, Berlin School of Economics, as they present their research on Narrative Persuasion.

Abstract

We study how one individual may try to shape the way another person interprets objective information by proposing a causal explanation (or narrative) that makes sense of this objective information. Using a theory-driven experiment, we examine narrative persuasion in the context of financial advice. Our results reveal several insights. First, we show that advisors construct persuasive narratives by tailoring them to fit the objective information. Second, advisors are able to shift investors’ beliefs. Third, we identify the types of narratives that investors find convincing. Finally, we evaluate several potential policy interventions aimed at protecting investors.

This seminar will be held in the Economics Common Room on Wednesday 20 March, at 11.00am. This event is open to all levels of study and is also open to the public. To register your place, please contact the seminar organisers.

This event is part of the Behavioural, Experimental, and Development Economics Research Seminar Series.