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 -
Jason Doctor, PhD
Co-Director, Behavioral Sciences Program, USC Schaeffer Center
Norman Topping Chair in Medicine and Public Policy and Associate Professor, USC Price School of Public Policy
Chair, Department of Health Policy and Management, USC Price School of Public Policy
Mental Associations with COVID-19 and How They Relate with Self-Reported Protective Behaviors
Adoption of protective behaviors for COVID-19 depends on what disease individuals associated with the novel coronavirus.
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Featured Research
Political Polarization in U.S. Residents’ COVID-19 Risk Perceptions, Policy Preferences, and Protective Behaviors
Political inclinations predicted reported policy preferences, mask use, and social distancing.
A Megastudy of Text-Based Nudges Encouraging Patients to Get Vaccinated at an Upcoming Doctor’s Appointment
Researchers evaluated the impact of 19 nudges delivered to patients via text message and designed to boost the adoption of the influenza vaccine.
Opioid Prescribing Decreases After Learning of a Patient’s Fatal Overdose
Results of the randomized trial show opioid prescribing decreases after a clinician learns of a patient’s fatal overdose.
Nudging Guideline-Concordant Antibiotic Prescribing: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Displaying poster-sized commitment letters in examination rooms decreased inappropriate antibiotic prescribing for acute respiratory infections.
Featured Perspectives
