10/16 PA

Midterm Exam Updates (03/2001)

  • Release of Midterm Exams

    • Expected release: tonight or tomorrow

    • Grading nearly complete

  • Bonus Points for Course Survey Completion

    • Bonus points referred to as "fudge points" in the grading system

  • Exam Average Discussion

    • Current average scoring between B+ and A-

  • Extra Credit Opportunities

    • Generally, no but may offer one-off opportunities based on course feedback

  • Mention of a fun challenge related to Halloween

    • Bonus point offered for dressing up as a minion

    • Guidelines:

    • Dress must be recognizable

    • Audience participation may be expected

Midterm Structure & Grading

  • Open-ended nature may be new for students

  • Expect differences in interpretations and creative approaches to exam questions

  • Encouraged to submit assignments by 11:59 PM tomorrow

  • PDF submission is acceptable

  • Current Event Writing Assignment Restrictions

    • No repeating the level of government previously written about in current event assignments

Classroom Interaction & Lecture Activations

  • Issues with animations during lecture

  • Discussion of vending machine items in the LBJ School as a case study

    • Nutritional information and product placement

  • Examples of behavioral nudges discussed:

    • Vending Machine: Signage regarding calories

    • Amsterdam Urinal: Fly sticker for aiming accuracy

    • Gathering Stairs: Piano-styled stairs incentivizing usage

    • Trash Can Footsteps: Visual prompts to throw away trash

Nudges Defined

  • Nudge Definition: Any aspect of choice architecture that alters people's behavior in a predictable way

    • Popularized by Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein in the book "Nudge" (2008)

    • Choice Architecture: Designing the context for making choices

    • Predictability: Steering individuals towards consistent decisions

    • Key Characteristics:

    • Cheap and small interventions

    • Different from mandates or financial incentives

Types of Nudges Discussed

1. Default Settings

  • Definition: Preset courses of action that take effect automatically unless changed

    • Effectiveness due to minimal effort required

    • Examples include:

    • Auto-enrollment in health insurance

    • Organ donation as an opt-out system

    • Default retirement contribution rates

2. Disclosure

  • Definition: Presenting information in different ways without changing facts

    • Framing effects lead to varied responses

    • Examples include:

    • Caloric information on food packaging

    • Traffic light systems for nutritional labeling

    • Health warnings on cigarette packs

3. Social Norms

  • Definition: Signals regarding appropriate behavior based on group standards

    • Examples of usage:

    • Utility bills comparing consumption to neighborhood averages

    • Implicit pressure to conform to social behavior

4. Convenience Nudges

  • Definition: Strategies minimizing cognitive load by making desired actions easier

    • Placement of healthier food options at eye level in cafeterias

    • Vending machine arrangement to highlight preferred items

5. Implementation Intentions

  • Definition: Prompts that encourage individuals to plan for behavior adherence

    • Example: Text reminders about voting

6. Warnings

  • Definition: Emotional responses created through imagery highlighting consequences

    • Use in health and safety awareness campaigns

Effectiveness & Ethical Considerations

  • Evidence suggests nudges are generally effective and cost-efficient

  • Nudges may lose effectiveness over time due to habituation

  • Potential for nudge overload diminishing impact

Ethical Debate on Nudging

  • Questions regarding freedom of choice and transparency

  • The intent behind nudging and differentiation of right behaviors

  • Consideration of public and individual interests in nudging implementation

Discussion on Nudges & Class Activity

  • Participants to design their own nudge to counter specific public behavioral issues

  • Notable example: Encouraging proper disposal of cigarette butts through mixed incentives