Effects of Framing on Actual Time Allocation Decisions

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to test the effect of positive versus negative frames on the riskiness of actual time allocation decisions. Two experiments were conducted, one involving an unattractive task and the other involving an attractive exercise. Framing effects were observed in both experiments, and these effects were generally in line with prospect theory (Kahneman & Tversky, 1979). However, the effects of framing were small to moderate in magnitude, and in some instances there was little or no effect. Implications of these results and directions for future research are discussed.