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Training Minds, Shaping Policies: Evidence from a Behavioral Economics Course for Public Officials

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  • Márquez, Karina
  • Scartascini, Carlos

Abstract

Cognitive biases are pervasive, even among policymakers whose decisions have far-reaching welfare consequences. Yet little is known about whether scalable training can mitigate policymakers biases. This paper provides evidence from a randomized controlled trial embedded in an online behavioral economics course for public officials in Latin America and the Caribbean. Participants were randomly assigned to complete a seven-item diagnostic test either before or after the course, measuring cognitive reflection, applied behavioral knowledge, and policy-approach preference. Those tested afterward scored 0.87 standard deviations higher on average, with especially large gains in applied reasoning and problem solving. These results, robust to within-subject comparisons, suggest that short, structured online training can enhance reasoning relevant to public decision-making. The findings both highlight the potential of large-scale cognitive training to improve public sector performance and motivate further research on its policy impact.

Suggested Citation

  • Márquez, Karina & Scartascini, Carlos, 2026. "Training Minds, Shaping Policies: Evidence from a Behavioral Economics Course for Public Officials," IDB Publications (Working Papers) 14634, Inter-American Development Bank.
    • Handle: RePEc:idb:brikps:14634
    DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18235/0014087
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    JEL classification:

    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • H83 - Public Economics - - Miscellaneous Issues - - - Public Administration

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