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on Nudge and Boosting |
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Issue of 2026–02–09
three papers chosen by Marco Novarese, Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale |
| By: | Constance Frohly; Roberto Galbiati; Emeric Henry; Nicolas Jacquemet (PSE - Paris School of Economics - UP1 - Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne - ENS-PSL - École normale supérieure - Paris - PSL - Université Paris Sciences et Lettres - EHESS - École des hautes études en sciences sociales - ENPC - École nationale des ponts et chaussées - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement, CES - Centre d'économie de la Sorbonne - UP1 - Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UP1 - Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne) |
| Abstract: | Moral reminders, also referred to as moral appeals or moral nudges, are widely used by governments, companies, and NGOs to promote pro-social behavior. These appeals function by either increasing the salience of moral concerns or the cost of diverting attention away from relevant information on payoffs or social norms. Drawing on over 400 studies across psychology, sociology, management and economics, we present a meta-analysis of their effects. Our findings reveal that, on average, moral reminders are effective, with an effect size (Hedge's g) of 0.24 in a random-effects model, but with significant backfiring occurring in 12% of studies. We identify sources of heterogeneity based on disciplinary focus and design choices. Crucially, we introduce a taxonomy of moral reminders: we distinguish those that provide information on consequences, those that highlight descriptive or injunctive norms, and those that prime moral awareness. Our analysis shows that all of these instruments are effective, particularly those providing information on consequences, whereas information on injunctive norms is more likely to backfire. |
| Keywords: | Meta-analysis, Behavioral ethics, Moral reminders, Pro-social behavior |
| Date: | 2026–01–01 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:cesptp:halshs-05456784 |
| By: | Fabien Giauque; Mehdi Farsi |
| Abstract: | Dynamic social norms have been recognized as a promising approach to promote energy sufficiency. By highlighting trends and future shifts rather than current states, dynamic norms allow for a better focus on emerging norms that are not widely adopted. While existing studies predominantly examine behavioral outcomes, the underlying processes and trade-offs remain to be explored. This paper uses a discrete choice experiment (DCE) combined with a randomized controlled trial to study electricity saving preferences under various dynamic norms. An emphasis is placed on the rationale for the norm changes. The results show that dynamic norms framed in terms of growing concerns about energy supply security positively affect electricity saving goal, whereas those framed around climate change do not. The heterogeneity analyses suggest that dynamic norms shape behavior through two complementary mechanisms: they generate new preferences while simultaneously reinforcing existing ones. The concluding analysis identifies four distinct groups that vary systematically in their preferences for electricity sufficiency. |
| Keywords: | Electricity saving; Dynamic Norms; Energy supply security; Climate change; Discrete choice experiment; Latent Class Model; Mixed Logit Model; Value-Belief-Norm Theory |
| JEL: | D12 D91 Q48 |
| Date: | 2026–01 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:irn:wpaper:26-01 |
| By: | Joshi, Mukta; Teh, Wen Wen; Vargas, Ariadna; Dadzie, Christabel E.; Datta, Saugato |
| Abstract: | Abstract Cash plus programs, which combine cash transfers with complementary services and interventions, have become an increasingly popular tool for providing livelihood support and poverty alleviation in low- and middle-income countries. While there is robust evidence to indicate that cash programs provide poverty relief in the short term, the impact of cash programs on productive investment behaviors and activities is less understood. This study presents the results of a cluster randomized trial that evaluates the effects of light-touch behavioral interventions to encourage saving and entrepreneurial behaviors for low-income Ghanaians participating in a multi-faceted cash plus program focused on economic inclusion. Participants received business skills training, coaching and mentoring, and a cash grant to support the initiation and expansion of their businesses. The study incorporated a suite of behavioral interventions designed to help recipients set business-related savings goals, create plans for achieving those goals, and follow through on saving towards those goals. In addition, the design included a pamphlet outlining key steps for growing or expanding a business, accompanied by a tracker to help recipients remember these steps and track progress. Drawing from a sample of 3, 109 participants, the study found that behavioral interventions significantly improved goal-setting and plan-making behaviors related to savings and consequently, increased the incidences of saving among study participants. However, the study did not find a statistically significant impact of the behavioral interventions on improving business skills. Using a cluster-randomized trial (N=3, 109), this study evaluated the effects of light-touch behavioral interventions on recipients of a multi-faceted cash plus program for economic inclusion, which included business skills training, coaching and mentoring, and a cash grant to support the initiation and expansion of businesses. Results show that the behavioral interventions, featuring goal-setting and plan-making activities, savings tools, and business practice reminders, improved goal-setting and plan-making behaviors related to savings and consequently, increased the incidence of saving. However, the interventions did not significantly improve business practices. Findings suggest that simple behavioral tools can strengthen savings behaviors and financial resilience among poo r households, complementing cash and training programs, though further research is needed on long-term effects. |
| Date: | 2025–11–30 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wbk:hdnspu:207029 |