The dropout problem: Reducing attrition in obesity research
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TL;DR
It was found that the requirement of a deposit significantly reduced attrition, and subjects rated the written manual as significantly more useful and more helpful than the covert sensitization treatment.
Abstract
To assess the effects of refundable monetary deposits upon attrition in obesity studies, three groups, each comprised of 14 overweight females, received treatment involving both a written weight reduction manual and covert sensitization under conditions involving a $20.00 deposit, a $5.00 deposit and no deposit. Contrary to the suggestion that a monetary deposit (especially a small deposit) might serve to increase attrition by reducing a subject's guilt over a broken commitment to attend, it was found that the requirement of a deposit significantly reduced attrition. In addition, subjects rated the written manual as significantly more useful and more helpful than the covert sensitization treatment.