Do The Effects of Nudges Persist? Theory and Evidence from 38 Natural Field Experiments

• 成果类型: Article; Early Access
• 署名作者: Brandon, Alec; Ferraro, Paul J.; List, John A.; Metcalfe, Robert D.; Price, Michael K.; Rundhammer, Florian
• 署名单位: Johns Hopkins University; University of Chicago; National Bureau of Economic Research; Columbia University; University of Alabama System; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa; University System of Georgia; Georgia State University
• 刊物名称: REVIEW OF ECONOMIC STUDIES
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0034-6527
• DOI: 10.1093/restud/rdag012
• 发表日期: 2026
• 关键词: ENERGY-EFFICIENCY GAP; habit formation; INFORMATION; incentives; policies; BIAS

摘要

We formalize a research design to uncover the mechanisms underlying long-term reductions in energy consumption caused by a widely implemented nudge. We consider two channels: technology adoption and habit formation. Using data from 38 natural field experiments, we isolate the role of technology adoption by comparing treatment and control homes after the initial resident moves, which discontinues the treatment for a home. We find that fully half of energy reductions persist in the home after treatment ends and show this persistence is consonant with a technology adoption channel. The role of technology in creating persistent behaviour change has important implications for designing behavioural interventions and evaluating their long-term social impacts.