Introduction to Behavioral Science in Public Policy: New Edition — Free World Bank Online Course
Understanding how people think, make decisions, and respond to policies is increasingly important for governments, development organizations, researchers, and policy professionals. Policies can be technically sound and still produce limited results if they do not take into account how people actually behave in real-world situations.
To help professionals and researchers develop a stronger understanding of this field, the World Bank Group Institute for Economic Development offers the Introduction to Behavioral Science in Public Policy: New Edition, a virtual e-learning course designed to introduce participants to the fundamental principles of behavioral science and their application to public policy and international development.
The course explores how people’s automatic thinking, social environment, mental models, and cognitive biases influence decisions and actions. It also demonstrates how these behavioral factors can affect the effectiveness of government policies and development programs.
The training covers practical applications across areas such as education, healthcare, social norms, gender equality, tax compliance, climate change, and other international development challenges.
For students, researchers, development professionals, policymakers, and other individuals interested in public policy, this course provides an opportunity to understand how behavioral science can be incorporated into the design of more effective policies and programs.
About the World Bank Behavioral Science Course
The course is presented by the World Bank Group Institute for Economic Development and introduces participants to the World Bank’s approach to behavioral science.
According to the course information, the World Bank has developed its behavioral science methodologies through collaboration with approximately 70 partners while supporting governments across more than 100 countries.
The training is particularly relevant because traditional policy design often assumes that people will respond to incentives and information in predictable ways. Behavioral science adds another dimension by examining how people actually make decisions, including the influence of habits, social expectations, cognitive shortcuts, beliefs, and the way information is presented.
The course therefore provides participants with an introduction to how behavioral insights can be incorporated into public policy and development programs.
What Is Behavioral Science in Public Policy?
Behavioral science examines the factors that influence human behavior and decision-making.
In public policy, behavioral science can help policymakers and development practitioners understand why people may respond differently to policies than traditional economic or rational-choice models might predict.
For example, people may:
- Make decisions automatically rather than carefully analyzing every option.
- Be influenced by the behavior and expectations of people around them.
- Interpret information according to existing beliefs or mental models.
- Respond differently depending on how choices are presented.
- Be influenced by cognitive biases.
- Make decisions under pressure or with limited information.
Understanding these behaviors can help policymakers design programs that better reflect how people actually behave.
The World Bank course introduces these concepts and demonstrates how they can be applied to real development and policy challenges.
Why Behavioral Science Matters for Public Policy
Behavioral science has applications across a wide range of policy areas.
The course highlights applications in areas including:
Education
Behavioral insights can help policymakers understand factors that influence students’ learning, attendance, motivation, and educational decisions.
Healthcare
Behavioral science can contribute to understanding decisions related to healthcare access, treatment adherence, preventive care, and health-related behavior.
Social Norms
People’s behavior is often influenced by what they believe others expect or what they perceive as normal within their communities.
Understanding social norms can therefore help development practitioners design more effective interventions.
Gender Equality
Behavioral and social factors can influence opportunities, expectations, decisions, and participation related to gender.
Behavioral insights can help policymakers better understand these factors when designing programs aimed at improving gender equality.
Tax Compliance
The course includes a case study on tax compliance in Kosovo, demonstrating how behavioral science can be applied to government policy and taxpayer behavior.
Climate Change
Behavioral science can also contribute to understanding how individuals and communities respond to environmental information, incentives, social expectations, and climate-related policies.
These examples demonstrate that behavioral science is not limited to one particular sector. Its principles can potentially be applied across many areas of public policy and international development.
Key Learning Objectives
The course is designed to give participants an introductory understanding of behavioral science and its relevance to international development.
By completing the training, participants are expected to develop knowledge in several important areas.
1. Understand Behavioral Science Principles
Participants will gain an introductory understanding of behavioral science principles and how they can be applied to public policy.
The course connects behavioral concepts with international development and the design of policies and programs intended to produce stronger outcomes.
2. Understand Automatic Thinking
One major component of the course focuses on how people think automatically.
Participants explore the ways people make decisions without consciously processing every piece of available information.
The course uses videos, readings, a brain game, and a case study to explore this area.
3. Understand Social Thinking
The training also examines how people think socially.
Human behavior does not occur in isolation. Social environments, expectations, norms, and interactions with other people can significantly influence decisions.
The course uses a case study involving social norms in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to illustrate these concepts.
4. Understand Mental Models
Another major focus is the role of mental models in decision-making.
Mental models influence how people understand situations, interpret information, and approach problems.
The course includes a case study involving Peru and growth mindset to demonstrate the relevance of these concepts.
5. Apply Behavioral Insights to Policy Design
Beyond learning theoretical concepts, participants are introduced to how behavioral insights can be used in designing public policies and development programs.
This makes the training particularly relevant to people working in government, international development, research, economics, social policy, and related fields.
Course Duration and Format
The training is designed as a relatively short online learning experience.
According to the provided course information:
- Duration: 6 hours
- Number of videos: 8
- Training format: E-learning
- Community: Multiple discussion forums
- Assessments: Included
- Certification: Included
Because the course is delivered online, participants can access the learning materials without needing to attend a traditional physical classroom.
This format can make the course suitable for professionals, students, and researchers who want to develop additional knowledge while continuing their existing studies or work.
What Is Included in the Course?
The World Bank behavioral science course includes several different types of learning materials and activities.
Participants can expect access to:
- Video lessons
- Text-based learning materials
- Assessments
- Interactive games
- Case studies
- Discussion forums
- Mandatory and recommended readings
- Knowledge-check examinations
- A final assessment
- A certificate upon completion
The combination of videos, readings, assessments, games, and discussions provides participants with different ways to engage with the subject.
Detailed Course Curriculum
The course is divided into five major sections.
Module 1: Welcome and Introduction
The first section introduces participants to the course and establishes the foundation for the remaining lessons.
It includes:
- Welcome and introduction
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Participant introductions
- Mandatory pre-course assessment
- Expectations and learner review
- Course completion requirements
- Course syllabus
- Introduction video
- Mandatory reading
- Discussion forum
The introductory section helps participants understand how the course is organized and what is expected of them.
The pre-course assessment is mandatory, making it an important part of the enrollment and learning process.
Module 2: We Think Automatically
The second section focuses on automatic thinking and how it affects human decisions.
The module includes:
- Keynote address on automatic thinking
- Video lesson
- Key concepts
- Interactive brain game
- Tax compliance case study in Kosovo
- Kosovo case study video
- Mandatory reading
- Glossary
- Discussion forum
- Recommended readings
- Knowledge Check Exam #1
The Tax Compliance in Kosovo case study provides participants with a practical example of how behavioral science can be connected to government policy.
The interactive brain game also provides a practical way for learners to explore some of the concepts introduced in the module.
Module 3: We Think Socially
The third section explores the social dimensions of human behavior.
The module includes:
- Keynote address on social thinking
- Video lesson
- Case study concerning social norms in MENA
- MENA case study video
- Mandatory reading
- Glossary
- Discussion forum
- Recommended readings
- Knowledge Check Exam #2
Social norms are particularly important in development because people’s decisions can be strongly influenced by what they believe other people do, expect, approve of, or consider acceptable.
Understanding these influences can help policymakers develop interventions that account for the social environment in which policies operate.
Module 4: We Think With Mental Models
The fourth section focuses on mental models and their role in human decision-making.
It includes:
- Keynote address on mental models
- Interactive brain game
- Wavy Lines activity
- Video lesson on mental models
- Peru and Growth Mindset case study
- Peru case study video
- Mandatory reading
- Recommended readings
- Glossary
- Discussion forum
- Knowledge Check Exam #3
The module introduces learners to the idea that individuals interpret the world through mental frameworks that can affect how they understand information and make decisions.
The Peru and Growth Mindset case study provides an applied example of these concepts.
Module 5: Conclusion
The final section brings together the concepts covered throughout the training.
It includes:
- Final thoughts
- Course conclusion
- Reflection discussion forum
- Mandatory post-course final assessment
- Participant feedback
- Acknowledgments
- Certificate
The post-course assessment is mandatory.
Participants who complete the required components can receive a certificate, providing formal recognition of their completion of the training.
Who Is This World Bank Course Designed For?
The course information specifically identifies policy practitioners and researchers who are interested in applying behavioral science to public policy on development topics as the intended audience.
This makes the course potentially relevant to people working or studying in fields such as:
- Public policy
- International development
- Economics
- Political science
- Development studies
- Public administration
- Government
- Social policy
- Research
- International organizations
- Non-governmental organizations
- Behavioral science
- Social sciences
It can also be useful for students and early-career professionals who want to learn more about the relationship between human behavior and policy design.
Is This Course Useful for International Development Careers?
Behavioral science is increasingly relevant to international development because development programs ultimately depend on human behavior.
A government may introduce a policy, an organization may develop a program, or an institution may provide information, but the actual results can depend on how individuals and communities respond.
Learning about behavioral science can therefore provide another perspective for people interested in development-related careers.
The course may be particularly useful for individuals interested in working with:
- Government institutions
- International development organizations
- Research institutions
- Non-governmental organizations
- International financial institutions
- Public policy organizations
- Social development programs
- Economic development initiatives
For students and professionals interested in international development, the course can also complement knowledge in economics, public administration, political science, development studies, data analysis, and related disciplines.
Practical Topics Covered by the Course
One of the strengths of the training is its focus on practical examples rather than presenting behavioral science only as an abstract academic subject.
The course connects behavioral concepts to real-world development and policy challenges.
Some of the highlighted applications include:
Tax compliance: Understanding behavioral factors that influence whether individuals comply with taxation requirements.
Social norms: Examining how people’s behavior is affected by the expectations and behavior of others.
Growth mindset: Exploring behavioral concepts through a case study from Peru.
Healthcare: Considering how behavioral science can contribute to health-related policies.
Education: Applying behavioral insights to education-related challenges.
Gender equality: Examining behavioral and social factors relevant to gender-related policy.
Climate change: Understanding behavioral dimensions of environmental policy and climate action.
These examples demonstrate the broad potential application of behavioral science across public policy.
Interactive Learning and Assessments
The course is not limited to watching videos.
Participants are expected to engage with multiple learning activities, including:
- Brain games
- Case studies
- Discussion forums
- Mandatory readings
- Recommended readings
- Knowledge-check examinations
- Pre-course assessment
- Final assessment
This structure allows learners to engage with the concepts in several different ways.
The discussion forums also provide an opportunity for participants to reflect on the material and interact around the course topics.
Certificate of Completion
A certificate is included among the course components.
The certificate is presented at the conclusion of the course after participants complete the required components.
For students and professionals, a certificate can serve as evidence of participation and completion of an additional professional learning activity.
However, participants should distinguish between a short online course certificate and an academic degree or professional license. The course is designed as an e-learning training program rather than a university degree program.
Course Trainers and World Bank Behavioral Science Team
The course information identifies several members of the World Bank’s behavioral science team.
Renos Vakis
Renos Vakis is identified as the Head of the Mind, Behavior, and Development Unit (eMBeD).
Dana Qarout
Dana Qarout is identified as a Behavioral Scientist with the Mind, Behavior & Development Unit (eMBeD).
Jonathan Karver
Jonathan Karver is identified as an Economist with the Mind, Behavior and Development Unit (eMBeD) within Development Impact (DIME).
The involvement of professionals from the World Bank’s behavioral science and development teams provides participants with exposure to perspectives connected to international development practice.
Enrollment Information
Enrollment for the course is described as open in the supplied information.
The course page instructs interested participants to enroll and indicates that registered trainees can access the course materials according to the schedule of the relevant edition.
The supplied page states that course content for enrolled trainees would become available from May 12, 2025.
Because this date has passed, prospective learners should verify the current course edition and availability directly through the official World Bank Institute course platform before relying on the historical enrollment information.
Official course page: World Bank Institute — Introduction to Behavioral Science in Public Policy
Important Date and Deadline Information
The supplied course information does not provide a specific final application deadline.
Instead, it states:
- Enrollment was open.
- Course content for enrolled trainees was scheduled to become available from May 12, 2025.
- No separate closing date for applications was provided.
Since the stated course-access date is from a previous edition, applicants should check the official World Bank course platform for the latest enrollment information and any new deadline.
How to Enroll
Interested participants can begin by visiting the World Bank Institute’s online course platform.
The general process involves:
- Visit the official World Bank Institute course platform.
- Locate the Introduction to Behavioral Science in Public Policy course.
- Review the current course information and enrollment status.
- Create an account or sign in if required.
- Enroll in the course.
- Complete the required pre-course assessment.
- Work through the video lessons, readings, activities, and case studies.
- Participate in the required discussion activities.
- Complete the knowledge checks.
- Complete the mandatory post-course assessment.
- Follow the course requirements for receiving the certificate.
Applicants should always follow the instructions displayed on the current official course page because course schedules and enrollment procedures can change between editions.
Why Learn Behavioral Science?
Behavioral science provides a useful perspective for understanding the gap between how policies are designed and how people actually respond to them.
Traditional policy approaches may focus heavily on economic incentives, regulations, resources, or information. Behavioral science adds another layer by asking questions such as:
- How do people actually make decisions?
- What happens when people are under pressure?
- How do social expectations influence behavior?
- Why do people sometimes behave differently from what policymakers expect?
- How do existing beliefs influence decisions?
- How can programs be designed around real human behavior?
- How can behavioral insights improve policy outcomes?
These questions are particularly important in international development, where policies and programs operate across diverse social, economic, and cultural environments.
Benefits of Taking the Course
Participants can potentially gain several benefits from completing the training.
Develop Knowledge of Behavioral Science
The course provides an introduction to important behavioral science concepts and terminology.
Understand Human Decision-Making
Participants explore automatic thinking, social thinking, and mental models and how these processes influence decisions.
Connect Theory With Real-World Policy
Case studies help demonstrate how behavioral science can be applied to actual development and policy challenges.
Strengthen Public Policy Knowledge
The course can complement existing knowledge in public policy, economics, development studies, public administration, and related disciplines.
Learn From World Bank Approaches
Participants are introduced to behavioral science methodologies associated with the World Bank’s work in international development.
Gain an Online Certificate
Participants who meet the course requirements can receive a certificate of completion.
Study Flexibly Online
Because the training is delivered through an e-learning platform, participants can study remotely rather than attending a physical training location.
Final Thoughts
The Introduction to Behavioral Science in Public Policy: New Edition provides an introduction to an increasingly important area of public policy and international development.
Rather than looking only at policies, regulations, incentives, or resources, behavioral science considers the people who ultimately interact with and respond to those policies. The course introduces participants to three major ways of understanding human thinking: automatic thinking, social thinking, and thinking through mental models.
Through videos, readings, interactive games, case studies, discussion forums, assessments, and practical examples, participants can explore how behavioral insights may be applied to areas such as education, healthcare, taxation, gender equality, social norms, and climate change.
The course is particularly relevant to policy practitioners and researchers interested in applying behavioral science to development-related public policy, while people studying or working in international development, economics, public administration, social sciences, and related fields may also find the subject valuable.
The training is approximately 6 hours long, delivered online, and includes a certificate upon successful completion of the required activities.
However, prospective applicants should pay close attention to the course’s current status. The supplied information refers to content becoming available from May 12, 2025, and does not state a final application deadline. Since that date has passed, applicants should visit the official World Bank Institute course platform to determine whether a new edition is currently available and to confirm the latest enrollment dates and requirements.
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