The Influence of Transparency on Default Effects

Abstract

Nudge transparency has been proposed to protect decision makers from manipulation. Although most research shows disclosure not to influence default effects, recent findings suggest that disclosure may enhance default effects. The aim of the present research was to replicate and extend this positive transparency effect. Three conditions were assessed in an online experiment: a transparent default, a non-transparent default, and a control condition. Participants’ feelings towards the nudge and researchers were assessed to understand the mechanisms associated with default compliance. Transparency did not influence default effects and none of the measures were associated with default compliance. Instead, the default setting was found to exert pressure and both default conditions were perceived to be less fair than the control condition. When the purpose of the default setting was disclosed, the researchers were perceived as less ethical. These findings suggest that, even with disclosure, decision makers are still unable to resist the influence of default settings.