International Debate

Robert Cialdini Explains: How Can Social Science Inform Policy?

November 22, 2013

Cialdini EventOn November 12, 2013, Dr. Robert Cialdini, Dr. Arthur Lupia, representatives from 16 current congressional offices, two former Members of Congress, and representatives from 21 academic and social and behavioral science organizations met for a lively discussion on Capitol Hill on how psychology can be used to inform government policy. The event was organized by the Division of Behavioral and Social Science and Education, one of the five divisions of the National Research Council, as part of their important initiative “Social and Behavioral Sciences in Action.”

Renowned psychology scholar and bestselling author Robert Cialdini gave a presentation that explained the social factors that lead to behavior change. His six universal principles of social influence – including reciprocation, scarcity, authority, friendship/liking, commitment/consistency, and consensus, can be (and have been) successfully applied to new policy as it is implemented publicly. Dr. Cialdini provided several compelling and even surprising examples (see slides above) such as implementing new health care, energy, and power policy.

Dr. Cialdini’s presentation was followed up by remarks made by former Representatives Brian Baird (D-WA) and Nancy Johnson (R-CT) who acknowledged the invaluable insight offered by social and behavioral scientists for policy and successful persuasion in general. Following these remarks, political scientist Arthur Lupia led a question-and-answer session for the 19 congressional staff in attendance about how they can apply these important findings in their work.

“What does social science tell us about how policy should be improved? It’s not just common sense. Common sense often sends you the opposite direction,” stated Representative Baird. “The surprising findings from the social sciences, by contrast, save time and money.”

To find out more about this SAGE-sponsored event, please click here.


0 0 votes
Article Rating

Sage, the parent of Social Science Space, is a global academic publisher of books, journals, and library resources with a growing range of technologies to enable discovery, access, and engagement. Believing that research and education are critical in shaping society, 24-year-old Sara Miller McCune founded Sage in 1965. Today, we are controlled by a group of trustees charged with maintaining our independence and mission indefinitely. 

View all posts by Sage

Related Articles

Kohrra on Netflix – Policing and Everyday Life in Contemporary India
International Debate
August 14, 2023

Kohrra on Netflix – Policing and Everyday Life in Contemporary India

Read Now
The UK Pandemic Inquiry – Missing the Point?
International Debate
August 9, 2023

The UK Pandemic Inquiry – Missing the Point?

Read Now
NSF Guidelines Amidst Foreign Threats To Research Security
Investment
July 26, 2023

NSF Guidelines Amidst Foreign Threats To Research Security

Read Now
History Offers Way Forward for Ukrainian Scientific System
Infrastructure
July 12, 2023

History Offers Way Forward for Ukrainian Scientific System

Read Now
Carsten de Dreu on Why People Fight

Carsten de Dreu on Why People Fight

Trained as a social psychologist, Leiden University social psychologist Carsten de Dreu uses behavioral science, history, economics, archaeology, primatology and biology, among other disciplines to study the basis of conflict and cooperation among humans.

Read Now
Report: Latest Academic Freedom Index Sees Global Declines

Report: Latest Academic Freedom Index Sees Global Declines

The latest update of the global Academic Freedom Index finds improvements in only five countries

Read Now
Watch! Methodspace Roundtables Examine Threats To Intellectual And Academic Freedom

Watch! Methodspace Roundtables Examine Threats To Intellectual And Academic Freedom

Janet Salmons, the research community director of our sister site, Sage Methodspace, coordinated a series of research roundtables to discuss the obstacles facing academic freedom and how to navigate them.

Read Now
Subscribe
Notify of
guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

1 Comment
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Donna

I am looking for other Mental Health settings that have incorporated Cialdini’s Principles.