Behavioral Science

What makes a habit different from a conscious decision, and how do habits form in the first place? Why is it often easier to change the environment around a habit than to rely on willpower alone? How do cues, routines, and rewards interact to keep habits going over time? What are some examples of habit loops that help society function and others that cause harm? Can you identify a habit of your own that changed once your surroundings or daily schedule shifted?

How do external rewards like money or praise interact with internal motivation such as curiosity or pride? When can punishment stop unwanted behavior, and when does it simply create fear or resistance? What does research suggest about the limits of using incentives to change behavior in the long term? How do people differ in what they find rewarding or motivating across cultures and life stages? Can you think of a time when a reward system backfired or produced results no one intended?

How do people make choices when they do not have all the information they want or need? What common shortcuts or heuristics do people rely on when making quick decisions, and when are they useful? How can stress, time pressure, or strong emotions change the way people weigh risks and benefits? In what ways can presenting the same information differently lead to very different decisions? Can you recall a decision you made that felt risky at the time? How did you reason your way through it?

Why do people often follow group norms even when they privately disagree with them? What is the difference between wanting to be correct and wanting to be liked, and how do both shape our behavior? How can small acts of influence, like seeing what others do, gradually change a whole community or culture? When is conformity helpful, and when does it become dangerous or oppressive? Can you think of a moment when you went along with a group even though you were unsure it was right? What held you back from speaking up?

What makes some public campaigns about health, safety, or the environment more effective than others? How can small “nudges” in how choices are presented lead to large changes in behavior without removing freedom? What ethical questions arise when governments or companies try to steer people’s choices for their own good? How important is it to involve the people being targeted when designing behavior change programs? Can you think of a behavior change effort you have seen that felt respectful and one that felt manipulative? What distinguished them?