Triggering cognitive dissonance with textual information and images: Data from three experiments with meat-eaters.

This article presents data from three experiments in which we triggered and measured cognitive dissonance in meat-eaters. Cognitive dissonance is a well-established concept in the social psychology literature; however, empirical measures are scarce. In all datasets, we used textual information and/or images related to meat consumption as means to trigger cognitive dissonance. Cognitive dissonance data was collected in Study 1 with a Likert scale, whereas Study 2 and 3 used a Semantic Bipolar scale. Each experiment was programmed with Qualtrics and consisted of four conditions. Data was collected online; Study 1 utilized social media to recruit participants while Study 2 and 3 were hosted on Prolific. All datasets contain items on participants' socio-demographic background, liking of different food products, cognitive dissonance, and a measure of meat avoidance. The data can be used to analyze the effect of information provision on cognitive dissonance and meat avoidance. Moreover, the relationship between socio-demographic variables and cognitive dissonance, as well as other exploratory purposes regarding meat avoidance can be explored. Furthermore, researchers can use the data to investigate differences between Likert scales and Semantic Bipolar scales. This data is related to the paper Can images and textual information lead to meat avoidance? The mediating role of cognitive dissonance[1].

Data on farmers' acceptance of results-based agri-environmental schemes.

The Data presented in this article contains information on farmers' acceptance of results-based agri-environmental schemes (AES) collected from German farmers in an online survey in spring 2020. Acceptance is measured in the willingness to participate and the intensity of participation in terms of area willing to enroll for the scheme. Personal, farm characteristics and behavioral factors have been considered. We used a between subject design to introduce a social nudge (i.e. information treatment) for one group of participants. The data was collected via the software LimeSurvey. We chose a two-step approach e.g. participants were asked for participation first and then only those who would be willing to participate were asked for the intensity in terms of area willing to enroll. This data is related to the paper Farmers' acceptance of results-based agri-environmental schemes: a German perspective[1].

Data on risk preferences and risk literacy for a sample of German agricultural sciences students.

The data presented here contains information on risk preferences, risk literacy and personal characteristics collected from 244 German agricultural sciences students in an online survey in 2015. Two different risk preference elicitation methods have been used. First, we used an iterative multiple price list (iMPL). Second, a simple self-assessment of risk preferences was used. Moreover, we used two different frames of the iMPL (general and context specific). Inconsistent behavior within the iMPL has been documented. Finally, the dataset includes information on the participants' risk literacy (using the Berlin Numeracy test), gender, optimism, involvement with agriculture age and mothers' education. The data is related to the paper: Meraner M, Musshoff O, Finger R. Using involvement to reduce inconsistencies in risk preference elicitation. Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics. 2018 73:22-33.

Data on farm diversification decisions and farmers' risk preferences in the Ruhr Metropolitan region (Germany).

On-farm non-agricultural diversification is increasingly important for many farmers to stabilize their income and to fulfill societal demand for integrated farming. Especially in peri-urban areas, where the potential for farms' expansion in terms of farm size is limited and public interest in regional products and other services provided at farms is high, the uptake of on-farm non-agricultural diversification is thus an attractive strategy for many farmers. The here presented dataset is based on an online survey conducted in March 2016 with 156 farms located in the Ruhr Metropolitan region (North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany). The survey was used to collect information on farms' and farmers' characteristics. More specifically, the dataset includes detailed information on farms' diversification decisions, location, size and general information on farms' production type and structure. Moreover, the dataset contains information on farmers' risk perception and risk preferences (collected using three different elicitation methods) and general information on farmers and households. In addition, farmers' personal assessments on agricultural production in peri-urban settings and information on the use of extension services were collected.

Data on German farmers risk preference, perception and management strategies.

The extent to which people are willing to take on risk, i.e. their risk preferences as well as subjective risk perception plays a major role in explaining their behavior. This is of particular relevance in agricultural production, which is inherently risky. The data presented here was collected amongst a total of 64 German farmers in 2015. It includes results of three different risk preference elicitation methods (multiple price list, business statements in four relevant domains and general self-assessment) as well as risk perception. Additionally, farm business characteristics (e.g. size, farm-level workforce, succession) and personal farmer characteristics (e.g. age, gender, risk literacy) are included.

Economic Impact of the Introduction and Establishment of Drosophila suzukii on Sweet Cherry Production in Switzerland.

First detected in Switzerland in 2011, the invasive Drosophila suzukii, spotted wing drosophila, has caused recurring costs for growers of berries and fruit. Recommended management approaches rely on a set of methods, tailored to suit crop requirements under the prevailing local conditions. Control of D. suzukii represents a substantial economic burden for growers, in terms of material, equipment, new infrastructure and extra labour. However, those growers who invest wisely to deliver unblemished produce are rewarded with high payoffs. We present insights from a growers' survey conducted in 2015 and 2016 to gauge the impact of the introduction and establishment of D. suzukii on Swiss sweet cherry production. The surveyed growers (111 in 2015 and 298 in 2016) observed the recommended surveillance, sanitation and control measures. The use of insecticides (78% and 79% of respondents in 2015 and 2016, respectively) and the harvest of all fruits (93% and 59% of respondents in 2015 and 2016, respectively) were the most widespread methods used to reduce damage. Nearly one-third of the respondents set up enclosure nets. Our economic evaluation of different scenarios provides a quantitative indication of the potentially incurred costs. We argue for enhanced stakeholder involvement to raise the acceptance of integrated pest management practices, and to inform research and outreach by providing insights into the motivations and barriers to adoption.