Cognitive scientists, social psychologists, behavioral economists, and many other specialists have learned much about why people behave the way they do and how to influence behavior (or change behavior that is destructive). This field is collectively called decision science. Corporations, credit card companies, casinos and others have successfully applied these lessons to increase their customer base and grow bottom lines.
Protecting the environment requires changing behaviors, yet policymakers and conservation practitioners are not applying insights gained from decades of decision science research. I think this should change and I am co-authoring a book to catalyze this change. The purpose of our book is to show that the findings from decision science can be applied to solve seemingly intractable problems in environmental protection, how they can be applied, and to advocate widespread use of these tools to transform the environmental movement.
In addition to using the tools and insights gleaned from decision science, environmental organization should contribute to the further development of them. By forming partnerships with researchers in the decision science disciplines we can co-develop a deeper understanding of what makes effective educational materials, advocacy campaigns and messaging strategies in fields meant to effect positive change and we can test our assumptions about what motivates behavior. This information would be useful for all “cause movements”.
I am new to Daily Kos, but a community member suggested this would be a great place to start the conversation. Currently we are running a crowd-funding campaign (Choices for Change) as well as seeking grants. To learn more about our book please visit our campaign.
All comments and suggestions are welcome.
