Decisions, Behavior and Societal Challenges

Abstract

This thesis has two aims, first, to contribute to the scientific understanding of human behavior and decisions, namely, social preferences (here: reciprocity), belief formation, and goal setting and feedback. Second, to apply these insights into human decisions and behavior to tackle societal challenges such as the shortage of donor organs, polarization, and resource scarcity.<br /> The first chapter uses survey data from the German Socioeconomic Pretest 2009 to examine the relationship between reciprocity and organ donation attitude and behavior.<br /> The second chapter uses a laboratory experiment to analyze the role of information overload in giving rise to confirmation bias. The third chapter uses a randomized field experiment to study the dynamics of goal setting as well as the application of goal setting and feedback as a valuable tool in resource conservation.