New survey experiment tests the 'corruption is self-fulfilling' theory. Respondents exposed to higher corruption prevalence estimates in Costa Rica reported increased willingness to engage in bribery themselves, validating a key hypothesis about societal perception driving individual action.

Methodology & Context

* Gran Área Metropolitana household survey with random assignment of information stimuli

Information display highlighted increasing percentage of Costa Ricans witnessing corruption

Experiment embedded within standard survey procedures to minimize external influence

📊 Key Impact: Beliefs about societal corruption significantly influenced personal willingness. Exposure led to a documented ~0.05-0.10 increase in self-reported bribery readiness.

This finding underscores the powerful feedback loop between social norms and individual conduct, offering crucial insights for anti-corruption initiatives worldwide.