Introduction to Behavioral Science in Public Policy – New Edition

The Introduction to Behavioral Science in Public Policy course is a newly updated virtual programme designed to help policy professionals understand how behavioral science improves policy design and outcomes. Offered by the World Bank Institute for Economic Development, this course introduces participants to the science behind how people think and act—and how these insights can transform public policies across sectors.

Through this new edition, the Introduction to Behavioral Science in Public Policy equips learners with practical tools to design more effective, human-centered policies in areas such as education, healthcare, gender equality, tax compliance, climate change, and social norms.

About the Introduction to Behavioral Science in Public Policy Course

The Introduction to Behavioral Science in Public Policy serves as a foundational course for anyone interested in applying behavioral insights to international development and governance. Notably, it also acts as a prerequisite for accessing the World Bank’s full behavioral science course catalogue.

Moreover, the course showcases the World Bank’s unique behavioral approach, developed through collaboration with over 70 global partners and applied across 100+ countries. As a result, participants gain exposure to real-world case studies and proven methodologies used to influence policy effectiveness.

What You Will Learn in the Introduction to Behavioral Science in Public Policy

Understanding How People Think

Participants explore three core modes of thinking:

• Automatic thinking
• Social thinking
• Thinking with mental models

Additionally, the course explains how cognitive biases shape decisions and behaviors. Consequently, learners understand why policies sometimes fail—and how behavioral science can fix them.

Applying Behavioral Science to Policy Design

The Introduction to Behavioral Science in Public Policy demonstrates how behavioral insights improve program design and implementation. For example, participants study real case studies on tax compliance in Kosovo, social norms in the MENA region, and growth mindset interventions in Peru.

Course Structure and Duration

The Introduction to Behavioral Science in Public Policy is fully online and self-paced, making it accessible to professionals worldwide.

• Duration: 6 hours
• Format: e-learning
• Videos: 8 instructional videos
• Community: Multiple discussion forums

Enrollment is currently open, and course content becomes available from May 12, 2025 for enrolled participants.

What’s Included in the Course

Participants in the Introduction to Behavioral Science in Public Policy gain access to:

• High-quality instructional videos
• Text-based learning materials
• Interactive brain games
• Assessments and knowledge checks
• Discussion forums
• Official certification upon completion

Furthermore, interactive elements ensure active engagement and reinforce learning outcomes.

Learning Objectives

By completing the Introduction to Behavioral Science in Public Policy, participants will:

• Gain foundational knowledge of behavioral science principles
• Understand how behavior influences policy outcomes
• Identify automatic, social, and mental-model thinking in decision-making
• Apply behavioral insights to public policy and development programs

Therefore, the course equips learners with practical skills that translate directly into real-world policy design.

Who Should Enroll

This course is ideal for:

• Policy practitioners
• Researchers
• Development professionals
• Government advisors
• Anyone interested in behavioral science for public policy

In particular, professionals working in international development or governance will find the content highly relevant.

Course Lessons Overview

The Introduction to Behavioral Science in Public Policy includes five structured modules:

Module Highlights

• Welcome & Introduction
• We Think Automatically
• We Think Socially
• We Think with Mental Models
• Conclusion & Certification

Each module includes videos, readings, case studies, forums, and assessments to reinforce learning.

Meet the Core Team

The course is led by global experts from the World Bank’s Mind, Behavior, and Development Unit (eMBeD):

• Renos Vakis – Head of eMBeD
• Jonathan Karver – Economist, DIME
• Dana Qarout – Behavioral Scientist, eMBeD

Their expertise ensures that the Introduction to Behavioral Science in Public Policy remains research-backed and globally relevant.

How to Enroll

👉 Click to enroll now

Additionally, you can subscribe to the World Bank Institute newsletter for updates on future editions and related courses.