Research Program
Behavioral Sciences
Behavioral science combines insights from psychology, economics and other social sciences to understand how people make decisions relevant to their well-being. The Schaeffer Center applies the field’s knowledge to find ways to enhance that wellbeing.
For example, antibiotics prescribed inappropriately waste resources, can cause health complications and have helped give rise to antibiotic-resistant “superbugs,” while the opioid crisis claims more than 115 lives every day. Schaeffer experts have employed theories of behavioral sciences — or nudges — to influence provider prescribing behavior without reducing their autonomy in both of these areas.
Program Leadership
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Wändi Bruine de Bruin, MSc, PhD
Co-Director, Behavioral Sciences Program, USC Schaeffer Center
Provost Professor of Public Policy, Psychology, and Behavioral Science, USC Price School of Public Policy
Behavioral Scientist, USC Center for Economic and Social Research
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Jason Doctor, PhD
Co-Director, Behavioral Sciences Program, USC Schaeffer Center
Norman Topping Chair in Medicine and Public Policy and Professor, USC Price School of Public Policy
Chair, Department of Health Policy and Management, USC Price School of Public Policy
Featured Research and Perspectives
False Confidence in Blood Pressure Knowledge Undermines Intentions to Seek Care
Most Americans don’t know the meaning of 120-80 mm Hg, but think they do.
Here’s How Public Health Messaging Can Help With the Next Phase of the Pandemic
As COVID-19 cases increase and officials warn of a potential new surge, confusion still bedevils our public health messaging.
Telling Doctors Their Patients Fatally Overdosed Reduces Opioid Prescriptions Up to One Year Later
Those clinicians who received the letter wrote 7% fewer prescriptions than clinicians who hadn’t received the notification.
Deaths Tied to Opioids Rose Among Less-Educated Whites Following L.A. County’s Stay-At-Home Order
Opioid-related deaths among Blacks, Asians and Latinos dropped during the same period.
Electronic ‘Nudges’ May Improve Safety in Opioid Prescribing Among California Doctors
Naloxone order rates increased significantly after implementation of on-screen prompts for physicians prescribing opioids.
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