Tag: behavioral science

Split portrait contrasting emotional intuition with analytical reasoning and data

When fast is right and slow is wrong (rethinking intuition and deliberation)

August 27, 2026

The article by Jérémie Beucler and Wim De Nys critiques dual-process theory, highlighting some of its simplifications. They argue that intuition can be sound and deliberation sometimes ineffective in enhancing decision-making. Their research suggests that smarter individuals exhibit better intuitions, advocating for a focus on developing better intuitive judgment rather than solely promoting deliberation. … More When fast is right and slow is wrong (rethinking intuition and deliberation)

Young man thinking surrounded by mechanical gears and idea bubbles

Can behavioural policy build sustainable competencies? New evidence says yes

June 4, 2026

Boosts are behavioural interventions that improve decisions by teaching people simple skills. In sustainability, the main barrier is often not willingness, but know-how. Drawing on new evidence, Yavor Paunov argues that boosts can build lasting competences, helping people make sustainable choices even after the policy intervention itself is removed. … More Can behavioural policy build sustainable competencies? New evidence says yes

Clay human figure with colorful cords extending to ears, eyes, and hands

(Dis)embodied behavioural design? On embodiment’s effect on autonomy and agency

May 5, 2026

Decision-making is not just above-the-neck cognitive processing. It occurs within a specific, embodied human form who experiences the world in a physical way. This needs to be given due attention when designing and implementing behavioural interventions. … More (Dis)embodied behavioural design? On embodiment’s effect on autonomy and agency

Sludge and the Behavioural Science of Friction

March 9, 2026

Sludge hinders people in achieving their objectives by making things harder. Sludge audits are increasingly popular, but where can and should sludge research go next? … More Sludge and the Behavioural Science of Friction

The Persuasive Effects of Narrative Entertainment

March 5, 2026

Edutainment can shape audiences’ attitudes, beliefs and behaviours. A meta-analysis of 77 experimental studies shows that the effects are real, nudging people in the intended direction. … More The Persuasive Effects of Narrative Entertainment

Why Policy Design Must Account for the Psychology of Compliance

February 23, 2026

Policies designed to encourage people to speak up – from whistleblower protections to conflict-of-interest disclosures – often fail because they address informational barriers, not social ones. Effective policy must reduce the social cost of dissent, not just permit it. … More Why Policy Design Must Account for the Psychology of Compliance

Getting people to the door, and through it: Lessons on improving take-up of public programs

November 6, 2025

Public programs often struggle to reach the people they are meant to help. In this blog post, Christian Schimpf, Vince Hopkins, Priscilla Fisher, and Jeff Dorion explain how behaviourally-informed email messages can successfully encourage enrolment in employment services. … More Getting people to the door, and through it: Lessons on improving take-up of public programs

Beyond Simplistic Narratives: The META-BI Framework for Nudges in Behavioural Public Policy

October 6, 2025

When we talk about behavioural interventions, we often need to simplify complex concepts, but this can leave critical questions unanswered. The META-BI framework provides shared terminology to foster clearer and more productive behavioural science discussions, across disciplines and with practitioners. … More Beyond Simplistic Narratives: The META-BI Framework for Nudges in Behavioural Public Policy

How Can We Personalise Nudges?

September 8, 2025

A one-size-fits-all approach to nudging can be ineffective, or even backfire. Personalising nudges is a way of recognising and acting upon known heterogeneity across and within groups of people to deliver successful behaviour change. … More How Can We Personalise Nudges?

When and how behavior change can accelerate system change (and vice versa): Mapping reciprocal processes for climate change mitigation

July 23, 2025

System change and individual behavior change are often conceptualized as mutually exclusive strategies for climate change mitigation – but what if this duality is misguided? Denise de Ridder and Sander Thomaes map four pathways illustrating that system change is effective when it promotes behavior change and vice versa. … More When and how behavior change can accelerate system change (and vice versa): Mapping reciprocal processes for climate change mitigation