Cognitive Neuroscientist MAYA SHANKAR On The Power of Change | Rich Roll Podcast

Nudges

Maya Shankar shares how behavioral economics, particularly the concept of nudges, can significantly impact public policy. By changing a school lunch program from opt-in to opt-out, 12.5 million more children were automatically enrolled, demonstrating the power of the default option 1. This simple shift eliminated stigma and increased participation without additional costs. Similarly, a minor change in language for a veterans' program email led to a 9% increase in access, showcasing how small adjustments can yield substantial results 2.

These zero cost change that rely on behavioral insights that have tremendous real world ramifications if they're just well thought through.

--- Rich Roll

Maya emphasizes the importance of experimental methods and behavioral science in crafting effective government policies.

   

Trust Building

Building trust in government, especially in crisis situations, is a complex challenge that Maya Shankar addresses through behavioral science. In Flint, Michigan, trusted community members were used to deliver information, fostering trust in a community deeply affected by government failures 3. Operational transparency is another strategy, where revealing the decision-making process can enhance public trust. A study in Boston showed that simply showing progress on city issues increased civic engagement, even if the speed of resolution didn't change 4.

When we pull the curtain back and we just let people in on what's happening behind the scenes, whether in terms of what constitutes our decision making process, why we chose X over Y, the messiness behind the scenes.

--- Maya Shankar

This transparency, though counterintuitive, can lead to greater trust and participation in government processes.