Title: Behavioral Economics | Psychology Today
Headings: Behavioral Economics
Behavioral Economics
Contents
Understanding Behavioral Economics
What is the difference between traditional economics and behavioral economics?
Why is behavioral economics important?
Do economic incentives to change behavior work?
Irrationality and Behavioral Economics
What are some examples of bias in behavioral economics?
What is the main drawback in using heuristics to solve problems?
What are some examples of heuristics that lead to irrational choices?
Does having too many options lead to poor decision-making?
How Can You Influence People's Behavior?
What is nudge theory?
What is an example of a nudge?
What are some nudging techniques?
Is nudging ethical?

Content: These theories and a better understanding of irrational decision-making inspired further developments in behavioral economics. American economist and Nobel laureate Richard Thaler outlined mental accounting as the process by which people code, categorize, and weigh economic outcomes. Thaler also developed nudge theory to explore how people’s choices can be influenced (aka “nudged”) by individuals and organizations taking advantage of framing and heuristics. What is the difference between traditional economics and behavioral economics? Created with Sketch. < g id="-small" stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd">
Traditional economics explains how people make decisions when they have all available information and can take the time to think rationally about their options. However, real-world choices are often limited by deadlines, uncertainty, and risk, leading to behavior that may seem irrational out of context. Behavioral economics offers insights on how people can make better decisions given these constraints. Why is behavioral economics important? Created with Sketch.