Applying Insights from Behavioral Economics to Policy Design

52 Pages Posted: 24 Jul 2014 Last revised: 9 Jul 2023

See all articles by Brigitte C. Madrian

Brigitte C. Madrian

Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business; National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

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Date Written: July 2014

Abstract

The premise of this article is that an understanding of psychology and other social science disciplines can inform the effectiveness of the economic tools traditionally deployed in carrying out the functions of government, which include remedying market failures, redistributing income, and collecting tax revenue. An understanding of psychology can also lead to the development of different policy tools that better motivate desired behavior change or that are more cost-effective than traditional policy tools. The article outlines a framework for thinking about the psychology of behavior change in the context of market failures. It then describes the research on the effects of a variety of interventions rooted in an understanding of psychology that have policy-relevant applications. The article concludes by discussing how an understanding of psychology can also inform the use and design of traditional policy tools for behavior change, such as financial incentives.

Suggested Citation

Madrian, Brigitte C., Applying Insights from Behavioral Economics to Policy Design (July 2014). NBER Working Paper No. w20318, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2471211

Brigitte C. Madrian (Contact Author)

Brigham Young University Marriott School of Business ( email )

Provo, UT 84602
United States

National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) ( email )

1050 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138
United States

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