From Psychology to Public Policy

This flow traces how findings about human limitations become choice architecture, nudges, and institutional safeguards.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Econs and Humans

Two Species of Theory Econs Economic models assume coherent, stable, self-interested agents. Humans Psychology reveals finite attention, shifting tastes, and emotional framing.

Libertarian Paternalism

Help Without Coercion Freedom People retain the right to reject a recommended choice. Architecture Defaults and presentation assist long-term interests without eliminating options.

Save More Tomorrow

Automatic Saving Deferred Loss Increased contributions begin with future pay raises rather than immediate sacrifice. Behavioral Fit Automatic enrollment aligns System 2's laziness with long-term saving.

Organ Donation Defaults

The Power of Opt-Out Inaction People usually accept the default option when unprepared. Social Consequence Opt-out forms produce far more organ donation than opt-in forms.

Better Disclosures

Designing for Humans Clarity Simple language, salient presentation, and meaningful comparisons help people understand choices. Institutional Duty Disclosure must account for limited attention rather than assume an Econ reader.

At the opening of the conclusions

Early in the conclusions

During the policy applications

Later in the framing-policy discussion

Near the final pages