Date of Award
Fall 11-26-2016
Degree Type
Honors Project
Department
Political Science
First Advisor
Dr. Miguel Glatzer
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the potential for the application of behavioral economics to the field of education policy through “nudges.” Given the difficulty of passing effective comprehensive education reform legislation, the application of nudges represents a low-cost, high-impact approaching to improve student outcomes. This paper offers definitions of several key concepts in the fields of behavioral economics and education: education reform, behavioral economics, choice architecture, nudges, and why behavioral economics is particularly relevant to education reform. Also, the paper describes past education reform attempts, including two that incorporated behavioral economics and two that did not, and evaluates their effectiveness. Finally, the paper offers nudge recommendations for students, parents, and teachers.
Recommended Citation
DiMatteo, Jack, "A Nudge Towards Excellence: The Application of Behavioral Economics in Education Policy" (2016). HON499 projects. 1.
https://digitalcommons.lasalle.edu/honors_projects/1
Included in
American Politics Commons, Applied Behavior Analysis Commons, Behavioral Economics Commons, Education Policy Commons