Research Resources
In order to increase both the quality and quantity of scholarly research on the subject of generosity, this page includes links to survey data sets as well as research aimed at conceptualizing and testing the effects of generosity. Scholars studying generosity are welcome to use whatever they find helpful here.
Toward the Measurement of Interpersonal Generosity (IG)
“An IG Scale Conceptualized, Tested, and Validated”
Christian Smith, University of Notre Dame
Jon Hill, Calvin College
This working paper represents an attempt to conceptualize interpersonal generosity and develop a scale for measuring the degree to which individuals spend time, attention, emotion or energy to enhance the well-being of others. The paper reports preliminary testing of the IGS using questions fielded in a recent survey. Comments on the paper (downloadable at the link below) are welcome.
Interpersonal Generosity Working Paper
Survey data sets
In order to encourage the use of existing data, we have gathered surveys containing questions about generosity and provided a direct link to their publicly available data.
