Using Behavioral Science Insights To Better Serve the American People
Sep 18, 2015
Signed by: Barack Obama
Signed on: Sep 15, 2015
Published on: Sep 18, 2015
Sep 18, 2015
Signed by: Barack Obama
Signed on: Sep 15, 2015
Published on: Sep 18, 2015
Summary
Directs federal agencies to use ideas from psychology to make government programs easier to use, more effective, and more helpful for all Americans.
What problem does this solve?
Many government programs are confusing or hard to access, preventing people from getting the help they need. This order requires agencies to use behavioral science to simplify programs and improve outcomes for the public.
What does this order do?
Encourages use of behavioral science
Directs federal agencies to find ways to use behavioral science to improve their programs, public well-being, and cost-effectiveness.
Simplifies access to public programs
Requires agencies to make it easier for people to get benefits by streamlining processes, shortening wait times, and simplifying forms.
Improves how information is presented
Tells agencies to think carefully about how the format, timing, and wording of information can help people better understand and act on it.
Considers the structure of choices
Promotes careful design of how options are presented, especially default settings, to help people make choices that improve their welfare.
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Implementation of the behavioral science insights policy directive
Creates a Social and Behavioral Sciences Team
Establishes a team under the National Science and Technology Council to give agencies advice and guidance on using behavioral science.
Requires testing and evaluation
Encourages agencies to rigorously test and evaluate the impact of applying behavioral science insights to their programs.
Who does this affect?
- The American public
- Federal agencies
- Government program beneficiaries
What is the real world impact?
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Improves government efficiency
Makes federal programs more effective and less costly by using scientific insights about human behavior, delivering better results without increasing spending.
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Increases access to public benefits
Simplifies applications and removes hurdles for programs like financial aid and retirement savings, helping more eligible people participate and receive support.
When does this start?
This order takes effect on September 15, 2015, and includes several deadlines for agencies.
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Implementation of the behavioral science insights policy directive
Guidance for agencies
Requires the Chair of the Social and Behavioral Sciences Team to issue guidance for agencies within 45 days of the order (by October 30, 2015).
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Implementation of the behavioral science insights policy directive
Annual progress report
Requires the National Science and Technology Council to release a report each year until 2019 summarizing how agencies are using behavioral science.