Citizens in Latin America and the Caribbean often associate corruption with economic crises. Since 2016, survey data show that individuals who believe their country’s economy has worsened are significantly more likely to say that most politicians are corrupt. But are politicians actually more corrupt when the economy is bad, or are citizens just more sensitive to misconduct … [Read more...] about When the Economy Booms, So Do Corruption and Impunity
Carlos Scartascini
Carlos Scartascini is Head of the Development Research Group at the Research Department and Leader of the Behavioral Economics Group of the Inter-American Development Bank. He has published eight books and more than 60 articles in academic journals and edited volumes. He is a member of the Executive Committee of IDB's Gender and Diversity Lab, member of the Board of Advisors of the Master of Behavioral and Decision Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania, Associate Editor of the academic journal Economía, and Founding Member of LACEA's BRAIN (Behavioral Insights Network). A native of Argentina, Dr. Scartascini holds a Ph.D. and an M.A. in Economics from George Mason University.
Nudging for Prevention in Colombia: How to Improve HPV Vaccination Rates
Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in low- and middle-income countries, and the safe and effective HPV vaccine is key to prevention. But despite significant efforts to promote vaccination through national immunization programs and free access, a considerable segment of the population remains unvaccinated—a challenge that has much … [Read more...] about Nudging for Prevention in Colombia: How to Improve HPV Vaccination Rates
Can a Behavioral Economics Course Help Overcome Biases and Improve Decision-Making?
We are all familiar with the biases that can lead policymakers and professionals astray. Doctors and lawyers may be overconfident; teachers may have preferences for or against students based on gender, race, and sexual orientation; and judges on judicial panels may be influenced by the ideological orientation of their colleagues. Overconfidence and social preferences can all … [Read more...] about Can a Behavioral Economics Course Help Overcome Biases and Improve Decision-Making?
Are Polls Accurate? The Power of the Interviewer in Creating Bias
Every election season, polling data fills headlines, drives campaign strategies, and sways public policy decisions. But what if the numbers aren’t as straightforward as they seem? And if subtle biases in how we ask questions or who asks them distorts our understanding of public sentiment? Our recent research sheds light on this issue by exploring a specific, yet often … [Read more...] about Are Polls Accurate? The Power of the Interviewer in Creating Bias
Hurricanes, Trust, and the Role of Aid: Lessons from Mexico City’s 2017 Earthquake
Hurricanes Helene and Milton barreled into the southeast of the United States in late September and early October eviscerating towns, destroying homes, and killing scores of people in a challenge for both emergency responders and the ability of political institutions to maintain the trust of their citizens. Research has shown that natural disasters often shake the … [Read more...] about Hurricanes, Trust, and the Role of Aid: Lessons from Mexico City’s 2017 Earthquake