Trial lecture title: Predictably irrational: Temporal discounting and its implications for the etiology and treatment of addictions.
Ordinary opponents:
- First opponent: Professor Thomas Critchfield, Illinois State University
- Second opponent: Associate Professor Mathias Philip Ekström, NHH Norwegian School of Economics
- Leader of the committee: Associate Professor Torunn Lian, OsloMet
Leader of the public defense is Associate Professor Monica Vandbakk, OsloMet.
The main supervisor is Professor Asle Fagerstrøm, Kristiania University College and the co-supervisor is Professor Ingunn Sandaker, OsloMet.
Thesis abstract
Humans possess a distinct capacity for behavioral adaption; that is why we have thrived as a species. Even though our ability to adapt is often attributed to rational choices, decades of research show that human behavior is largely explained by past and current interactions with the environment.
Behavioral sciences have revealed that human behavior and choice-making are boundedly rational, systematically biased, and strongly habitual. Numerous small suboptimal choices accumulate to unfavorable long-term outcomes. Many of today's societal challenges are rooted in our behavior and controlling environmental variables.
To improve society's well-being, as stated by the United Nations sustainable development goal 3, we must: "Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages." Since many of today’s policies, warnings, and information campaigns show only modest benefits to well-being, alternative interventions are needed.
This dissertation discusses some of the challenges we face regarding well-being and how knowledge produced by behavior analysis and behavioral economics may guide actions.
Study 1
Study 1 is a systematic review of experimental studies to increase healthier food choices. The findings reveal that the few studies on nudging healthier food choices have limited experimental control and minor effects.
Study 2
Study 2 is a field experiment to improve gym members' cleaning behavior using an image of watching eyes. The findings support previous research that implicit observation cues influence human behavior. The follow-up study revealed that the salience of the stimuli faded over time.
Study 3
Study 3 is a field experiment that encouraged hotel guests to choose more of the healthier fish options and less meat by altering hotel lunch buffets. The findings reveal that it is essential to consider the microenvironment when utilizing nudges.
Study 4
Study 4 was a field experiment to evaluate the influence of nudges on hospital visitors' use of hand sanitizer. The results showed a significant increase in hand hygiene.
Study 5
Study 5 describes how the Norwegian cultural practice of "dugnad" applies social involvement in group activities to improve community well-being. The study discusses this practice from a behavior analytic perspective and how such understanding may guide action.
Study 6
Study 6 is a rapid systematic review of health intervention studies done via social media focusing on validity challenges. The studies reported in this thesis are relevant for understanding choice behavior and add to the knowledge on designing behavioral interventions to improve well-being on different selection levels.
