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Boosts vs nudges: perceived effectiveness and criticism shape preferences for sustainable behavioural policies

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: • People's preferences between energy nudges and boosts were measured experimentally (n = 253). • Participants viewed boosts more favourably but preferred nudges. • People associated perceived cognitive/time costs with boost, and autonomy violations with nudges. • Policy criticism influenced preference direction but less than perceived or communicated effectiveness. • Effectiveness messages were less likely to shift preferences if they contradicted prior effectiveness perceptions.

Source: Energy Policy

DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2025.114953

Authors: Yavor Paunov, Till Grüne-Yanoff

Institution: KTH Royal Institute of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Decision-Making and Behavioral Economics

Subfield: General Decision Sciences

Field: Decision Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,940

Funders: Svenska Forskningsrådet Formas, Energimyndigheten