Working Over Time: Dynamic Inconsistency in Real Effort Tasks
Ned Augenblick, Muriel Niederle, Charles Sprenger
The Quarterly Journal of Economics / NBER · 2015
Abstract
Tests for present bias over real effort rather than money, resolving whether the weak present bias found in monetary experiments reflects genuine preferences or the fungibility of money.
Methodology
Subjects allocate unpleasant real-effort tasks (e.g., transcription) between an earlier and a later date, and are given opportunities to commit; choices are compared to those over monetary payments in the same design.
Findings
Over effort, people exhibit clear, significant present bias—they plan to work more later but reallocate toward less work now—and a substantial share pay for commitment. The contrast with near-exponential monetary choices suggests effort reveals time inconsistency that money masks.
Applied nudge
For effortful behaviors (exercise, study, chores), present bias is real and large—offer commitment tools and pre-scheduling, and set the plan when the user is deciding for their future self.
Citation
Augenblick, N., Niederle, M., & Sprenger, C. (2015). Working over time: Dynamic inconsistency in real effort tasks. Quarterly Journal of Economics, 130(3), 1067-1115.
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