ideas42’s network of academic affiliates represent some of the world’s foremost experts in behavioral science. In their efforts to address some of society’s toughest problems—from poverty alleviation to improving health care—these scholars have continually generated surprising and often counterintuitive scientific insights about why we make the choices we do. Their research illuminates our behavioral interventions […]
“If you don’t have money, if you don’t come from money, then your whole life is a struggle.” Though Mark* said this with a smile, we sensed his exhaustion. He spoke lovingly of his 3-year-old daughter and 1-year-old son, but explained that it was difficult to balance looking after his family with complicated work schedules. […]
by ideas42
The much-anticipated 2015 World Development Report (WDR), which this year focuses on mind, society, and behavior, was released today. Drawing on insights from many of the world’s top academics and researchers, the report makes a strong case for the successful application of behavioral science in international development. The report reviews early efforts from around the […]
by ideas42
45.3 million: The number of Americans living in poverty in 2013. $500 billion: The estimated cost of poverty in the United States each year, including public expenditures and lost earnings. In response to these startling statistics, ideas42 recently launched the Poverty Interrupted initiative, a radical venture aiming to use insights from behavioral science to help […]
It’s easy to agree that poverty is a problem, but explaining its causes and prescribing solutions is a far more difficult and complex task. What if children born into poverty could become as likely to succeed as their wealthier peers? What if intergenerational poverty were not an unavoidable and enduring evil, but entirely tractable? These […]
A new evaluation of a project that ideas42 collaborated on points to the huge impact that low-cost, easy-to-implement interventions can have on the lives of some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in society. Using ideas42’s unique diagnosis and design methodology, the project aimed to increase the number of inmates in Texas prisons who […]
A recent report from the Brookings Institution has caused quite a controversy in the postsecondary education space. Authors Matt Chingos and Beth Akers presented new survey evidence suggesting that the economic impact of student loans nationwide may be less than the popular narrative indicates. David Leonhardt drills down into this topic in the New York […]
It’s no secret that saving money is a good idea. Even when money is tight, putting away a small amount on a regular basis can help deal with unforeseen financial shocks as well as allow people to make investments to build financial stability in the long-term. But time and time again we see people failing to save for […]
In the social sector, it’s not always possible to test the impact of a designed solution. This often leaves us wondering whether resources are spent in ways that have real effects on welfare. The BETA Projectwas a unique opportunity to design behavioral solutions for three partner sites and test each solution to see whether or […]
What organization doesn’t want to describe itself as “outcome oriented” and “data driven”? These two buzz phrases highlight a growing interest in the social sector for measuring and tracking concrete outputs in order to demonstrate organizational impact. Beyond the usual metrics, however, is the need to measure the impact of specific program changes or initiatives. […]
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