Asking Questions Changes Behavior: Mere Measurement Effects on Frequency of Blood Donation

Abstract

Objective: This research examined the impact of completing a questionnaire about blood donation on subsequent donation behavior among a large sample of experienced blood donors. Design: Participants (N = 4672) were randomly assigned to an experimental condition that received a postal questionnaire measuring cognitions about donation or a control condition that did not receive a questionnaire. Main Outcome Measures: Number of registrations at blood drives and number of successful blood donations were assessed using objective records both 6 months and 12 months later. Results: Findings indicated that, compared to control participants, the mean frequency of number of registrations at blood drives among participants in the experimental group was 8.6% greater at 6 months (p < .0.007), and was 6.4% greater at 12 months (p < .035). Significant effects were also observed for successful blood donations at 6 months (p < .001) and 12 months (p < .004). Conclusion: These findings provide the first evidence that the mere measurement is relevant to promoting consequential health behaviors. Implications of the research for intervention evaluation are discussed. © 2008 American Psychological Association.