Date of Award
Spring 4-28-2016
Document Type
Honors Project
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Department
Psychological Science
First Advisor
Schiffrin, Holly H.
Second Advisor
Kolar, Dave
Major or Concentration
Psychology
Abstract
This study examined different methods for inducing inspiration, sex differences in inspiration induction, and whether inducing inspiration would increase donations to charity. We found that men and women responded differently to various methods of inducing inspiration. Women were most inspired by the video and reflection groups, while men's inspiration did not differ by induction method. For women, but not men, inspiration mediated the relationship between induction method and amount of donation pledged indicating that their willingness to donate to charity increased as they felt more inspired. Despite differences in inspiration, men and women did not differ in amount donated, which may be due to a selection bias (i.e., males who participate in studies are also more likely to donate to charity). Future studies should examine additional ways to effectively induce inspiration, especially among men, and how increasing inspiration can promote prosocial behavior such as donations to charity.
Recommended Citation
Selbrede, Rebekah, "Musings on Inspiration: Inducing Inspiration and Increasing Donations to Charity" (2016). Student Research Submissions. 84.
https://scholar.umw.edu/student_research/84