Decision Architecture
Framing Effect
Drawing different conclusions from the same information depending on how that information is presented or contextualized.
Framing Effect: definition & examplesCognitive biases & nudge evidence // Independent reference
Behavioral Economics Lab
An independent, citable reference on behavioral economics: 30 cognitive biases explained, 7 empirical findings on nudges and decisions, and 43 research summaries, each linked to its source.
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Core Directory
Cognitive Biases
A–Z definitions, examples, and evidence for 30 biases.
Empirical
Nudge Findings
7 empirical studies with structured, citable outcomes.
Literature
Journals & Research
43 landmark papers summarized, from 18 peer-reviewed journals plus books and working-paper series.
Library
Essential Books
The 20 defining books, ranked by consensus across Goodreads, Five Books, and best-of lists.
Latest
Working Papers
995 NBER behavioral-economics working papers, 1991–2026.
Long Form
Featured Essays
4 original, source-checked essays on trust, belief updating, and intergenerational choice.
Interactive
AI Trust
When do people trust an algorithm over a human? Explore the sandbox.
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View all 30 biasesRisk & Loss
Loss Aversion
The psychological tendency to feel the pain of a loss more strongly than the pleasure of an equivalent gain — by most estimates roughly twice as strongly.
Loss Aversion: definition & examplesSocial Influence
Social Proof
The phenomenon where people look to the behavior of others to guide their own decisions, especially in ambiguous situations.
Social Proof: definition & examplesDecision Architecture
Anchoring Bias
The disproportionate reliance on the first piece of information encountered (the 'anchor') when making subsequent judgments or estimations.
Anchoring Bias: definition & examplesEvidence that nudges work
Nudge examplesSocial Proof · Natural field experiment
Social-Norm Tax Reminder Letters: The HMRC Natural Field Experiments
Taxpayers paying within 23 days (Experiment Two)
33.6%38.6%
Standard reminder letter → Letter + local & debt norm
+5.0 pts
Present Bias · Before–after (participants)
Save More Tomorrow (SMarT): Committing Future Pay Raises to Retirement Saving
Average saving rate of SMarT participants (% of pay)
3.5%13.6%
Before joining SMarT → After four pay raises (40 months)
+10.1 pts
Default Effect · Online experiment
Johnson & Goldstein Organ Donation Defaults: Opt-In vs. Opt-Out
Respondents agreeing to be organ donors (online experiment)
42%82%
Opt-in default → Opt-out default
+40.0 pts