Showing definitions for behavioral economics

SEE ALSO

Tech & Science dictionary results for behavioral economics

behavioral economics

American  

[bih-heyv-yer-uhl ek-uh-nom-iks, eekuh-] / bɪˈheɪv yər əl ˌɛk əˈnɒm ɪks, ˌikə- /

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. the branch of economics dealing with the effects of psychological, emotional, cultural, and social factors on individual or group economic decision-making, as distinguished from classical economics, which assumes that people will make the optimal economic decisions based on rational self-interest and utility.

---

Etymology

Origin of behavioral economics

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

But it’s consistent with a growing body of research in the behavioral economics field showing how our mood skews our decision-making.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026

“These are deeply personal decisions,” said Andy Reed, head of behavioral economics research at Vanguard and co-author of the research.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 9, 2026

"We used a mathematical model and tools from game theory and behavioral economics to understand the motivations behind tipping," says Dr. Snitkovsky.

From Science Daily • Mar. 2, 2026

Because even behavioral economics sometimes sees it as rational and scientific, and any deviation from it needs to be explained as some weird paradox.

From Salon • Feb. 1, 2025

Kahneman received the Nobel Prize in economics in 2002 for these and other contributions that ended up underpinning the discipline now known as behavioral economics.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 27, 2024