About this Research Topic
Behavioral sciences, encompassing environmental psychology, behavioral economics, social anthropology, and sociology, have significantly advanced our understanding of how individual, social, economic, and structural factors contribute to pro-environmental actions. These insights have facilitated the development of intervention strategies that have yielded impressive results under controlled conditions. However, the primary challenge lies in scaling these interventions from small-scale or laboratory settings to real-world applications involving millions, determining how these can be adapted and managed by non-scientists across diverse populations.
The objective of this research topic is to compile a series of studies and papers that investigate the real-world application of behavioral science interventions. This involves analyzing the transition from well-funded pilot programs to large-scale implementations, identifying the necessary conditions and considerations that influence the effectiveness of these interventions when deployed widely. By understanding these dynamics, the research seeks to transform academic concepts into practical tools that enable individuals to modify their behaviors, such as reducing energy consumption, thereby addressing significant environmental challenges.
We welcome contributions that:
• Evaluate which interventions are most effective for specific demographic groups
• Analyze the role of cultural factors in the success of environmental strategies
• Investigate the influence of communication channels and spokespersons in intervention adoption
• Share insights from collaborative efforts between scientists and stakeholders such as NGOs or local governments
• Discuss inclusivity in behavioral campaigns, especially concerning marginalized groups
• Offer solutions for reaching and influencing reluctant populations
• Develop tools to simplify the application of behavioral science by non-experts
• Contribute to effective dialogue about behavioral science that resonates with the general public
• Bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical application needs
The objective of this research topic is to compile a series of studies and papers that investigate the real-world application of behavioral science interventions. This involves analyzing the transition from well-funded pilot programs to large-scale implementations, identifying the necessary conditions and considerations that influence the effectiveness of these interventions when deployed widely. By understanding these dynamics, the research seeks to transform academic concepts into practical tools that enable individuals to modify their behaviors, such as reducing energy consumption, thereby addressing significant environmental challenges.
We welcome contributions that:
• Evaluate which interventions are most effective for specific demographic groups
• Analyze the role of cultural factors in the success of environmental strategies
• Investigate the influence of communication channels and spokespersons in intervention adoption
• Share insights from collaborative efforts between scientists and stakeholders such as NGOs or local governments
• Discuss inclusivity in behavioral campaigns, especially concerning marginalized groups
• Offer solutions for reaching and influencing reluctant populations
• Develop tools to simplify the application of behavioral science by non-experts
• Contribute to effective dialogue about behavioral science that resonates with the general public
• Bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical application needs
Keywords: Energy consumption reduction, Environmental footprint, Behaviour science interventions, Upscaling, Barriers in the real world, Collaboration with user partners
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
