Oliver, Adam 
ORCID: 0000-0003-3880-9350
(2023)
The use and misuse of behavioural science in the age of COVID-19.
In: Sunstein, Cass R. and Reisch, Lucia A., (eds.)
Research Handbook on Nudges and Society.
Edward Elgar, Cheltenham, UK, 308 - 318.
ISBN 9781035303021
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.
| Item Type: | Book Section |
|---|---|
| Official URL: | https://www.e-elgar.com/shop/gbp/research-handbook... |
| Additional Information: | © 2023 The editors and contributors severally |
| Divisions: | Social Policy |
| Subjects: | B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare. Criminology R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine |
| Date Deposited: | 11 Jan 2024 19:06 |
| Last Modified: | 06 Oct 2025 18:18 |
| URI: | http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/121353 |
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