We test the predictions of the rational addiction model, reconceptualized as rational habit formation, in the context of handwashing in rural India. To track handwashing, we design soap dispensers with timed sensors. We test for rational habit formation by informing some households about a future change in the returns to daily handwashing. Monitoring and incentives raise handwashing contemporaneously, and effects persist well after they end. In addition, people are rational about this habit formation: when they anticipate future monitoring, they increase their current handwashing. Average child weight and height increase for all study arms given soap dispensers. (JEL D12, D83, D91, I12, I18, J13, O12)

中文翻译：

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理性习惯的形成：印度洗手的实验证据

我们在印度农村洗手的背景下测试了理性成瘾模型的预测，重新概念化为理性习惯形成。为了跟踪洗手情况，我们设计了带有定时传感器的皂液器。我们通过告知一些家庭关于日常洗手回报的未来变化来测试理性习惯的形成。监测和激励措施同时提高了洗手，并且效果在结束后会持续很长时间。此外，人们对这种习惯形成是理性的：当他们预期未来的监测时，他们会增加当前的洗手次数。给予皂液器的所有研究组的平均儿童体重和身高增加。（JEL D12、D83、D91、I12、I18、J13、O12）