applied behavioral science

The Pioneer Effect: A Bold New Effect Where No Effect Has Been Before
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The Pioneer Effect: A Bold New Effect Where No Effect Has Been Before

Behavioral Theory & Insights, Society & Everyday Life

The Pioneer Effect: A Bold New Effect Where No Effect Has Been Before

In the quest for originality, behavioural scientists often create new effects and frameworks—even when existing ones suffice. Dubbed the 'Pioneer Effect' phenomenon (with a tongue firmly in cheek) highlights the challenges of overlapping constructs, fragmented research, and duplicated effort. This article explores why psychology’s proliferation of terms isn’t just confusing—it could be holding the discipline back, and what we can do to course-correct.

By Matthew Davies|2025-05-29T08:28:06+00:00May 28th, 2025|Categories: Behavioral Theory & Insights, Society & Everyday Life|Tags: applied behavioral science, behavioral economics, behavioral insights, behavioral science, bias|

Different Dinners: Unlocking Behavioural Insights for a Sustainable Food Future

In 2022, Auckland Council undertook an innovative research project utilising behavioural insights, which was designed to support Auckland households to make more sustainable and climate friendly food choices, i.e., to eat less meat. This ‘Different Dinners’ project is part of a broader programme of work looking at how Auckland Council can respond to its commitments to address climate change. The results were positive and demonstrate that Aucklanders are both willing to and did make changes to their diets. All interventions tested resulted in increased climate-friendly food choices.

By Rebecca Hayden|2024-08-20T01:13:08+00:00April 2nd, 2024|Categories: Environment, Energy & Transportation|Tags: applied behavioral science, applied behavioural science, behavior change, behavioral economics, behavioral interventions, behavioral science, climate change, decision making, vegetarian|

Decoding Human Behaviour: An Exploration of Behavioural Science Methodologies

Selecting the right methodology for researching and exploring human behaviour can be a challenge. This article provides an overview of different applied behavioural science methodologies and offers some simple steps toward selecting the most suitable approach to gain insights into human behaviour.

By Lindsey Horne|2024-02-05T02:49:30+00:00February 3rd, 2024|Categories: Behavioral Theory & Insights, Research Methods|Tags: AB test, applied behavioral science, applied behavioural science, behavioral observation, behavioral science methodologies, behavioural observation, behavioural science methodologies, eye tracking, randomised control trial, RCT, research methods, research techniques|