A theoretical framework explaining the mechanisms of nudging

Åsa Löfgren () and Katarina Nordblom ()
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Åsa Löfgren: Department of Economics, School of Business, Economics and Law, Göteborg University, Postal: P.O. Box 640, SE 40530 GÖTEBORG, Sweden, https://economics.gu.se/
Katarina Nordblom: Department of Economics, School of Business, Economics and Law, Göteborg University, Postal: P.O. Box 640, SE 40530 GÖTEBORG, Sweden, https://economics.gu.se/

No 754, Working Papers in Economics from University of Gothenburg, Department of Economics

Abstract: In this paper we develop a theoretical model to clarify the underlying mechanisms that drive individual decision making and responses to behavioral interventions, such as nudges. The contribution of the paper is three-fold: First, the model provides a theoretical framework that comprehensively structures the individual decision-making process applicable to a wide range of choice situations. Second, we reduce the confusion regarding what should be called a nudge by offering a clear classification of behavioral interventions. We distinguish among what we label as pure nudges, preference nudges, and other behavioral interventions. Third, we identify the mechanisms behind the effectiveness of behavioral interventions based on the structured decision-making process. Hence, the model can be used to predict under which circumstances, and in which choice situations, a nudge is likely to be effective.

Keywords: Nudge; decision making; behavioral intervention (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D11 D91 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 27 pages
Date: 2019-03
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-cbe and nep-upt
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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