There is a growing awareness about the harmful effects of wildfire smoke and how those effects vary across socioeconomic groups. A new study by Berke et al. in Nature Human Behaviour suggests that differences in groups’ behavior, influenced by socioeconomic re... More »
What difference can a suggested contribution make for your retirement? In 2016, the United States’ “Thrift Savings Plan” included a recommended contribution rate, or ‘anchor rate,’ in its email messaging to the plan’s participants. This relatively low-cost nud... More »
In October 2017, Richard Thaler won the University of Chicago its 29th Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences for his contributions to behavioral economics. Stockholm’s nod to Thaler is less coup than coronation, of both Thaler himself and of the broad applicability... More »
Despite their best intentions, low-income parents often fall behind on important educational goals, such as reading regularly to their children, because of more immediate concerns. New research from the Behavioral Insights and Parenting Lab at the University o... More »
Using incentives to influence children’s food choices may have an impact that extends beyond a one-time choice. Leveraging behavioral economic techniques, like incentives, could help encourage children to choose and consume healthier foods. More »
University of Chicago Developmental Psychologist Ariel Kalil discusses the use of behavioral economics in parenting interventions, research on preschool, and challenges in the field of early childhood education. More »