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The use and misuse of behavioural science in the age of COVID-19

In: Research Handbook on Nudges and Society

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  • Adam Oliver

Abstract

This chapter, in light of COVID-19, offers a reflection on how behavioural science, and behavioural scientists, might best be employed in any future pandemic policy response. Four lessons are suggested. Lesson 1: behavioural scientists should refrain, at the outset of a pandemic, from speculating on whether people are over or underreacting to the threat. Lesson 2: when seeking advice or commentary from behavioural scientists, governments and the media should cast their nets wide. Lesson 3: behavioural scientists, now and in moving forward, ought to focus their pandemic-related efforts on producing a firmer evidence base on the factors that may improve the effectiveness of micro-interventions. Finally, lesson 4: even in the most challenging of circumstances, we must always remain mindful of the importance of individual freedom.

Suggested Citation

  • Adam Oliver, 2023. "The use and misuse of behavioural science in the age of COVID-19," Chapters, in: Cass R. Sunstein & Lucia A. Reisch (ed.), Research Handbook on Nudges and Society, chapter 17, pages 308-318, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    • Handle: RePEc:elg:eechap:22035_17
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    File URL: https://www.elgaronline.com/doi/10.4337/9781035303038.00028
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