Prescreening Questions to Ask Behavioral Economist

Can you discuss your experience with designing and conducting behavioral experiments?

This is a great opener. Get your candidates talking about the nuts and bolts of their experiment designs. You'll want to hear about their creative processes, any interesting methodologies they've used, and how they've translated theory into practice. It's like asking an artist to describe their masterpiece. The more passionate and detailed they get, the better!

How do you stay current with the latest research and trends in behavioral economics?

Think of this as peeking into their library or their Twitter feed. Are they dedicated to ongoing learning? Do they attend conferences, follow leading researchers, or subscribe to key journals? This question helps gauge their commitment to staying ahead of the curve in this ever-evolving field.

Describe a time when you applied behavioral economics principles to solve a real-world problem.

Here's where the rubber meets the road. Can they bridge theory and practice? Look for concrete examples where they’ve made a tangible impact. Maybe they've improved a business process, influenced policy, or nudged consumer behavior. These stories are gold.

What quantitative methods and tools do you use most often in your work?

Dive into the technical stuff here. Are they crunching numbers using software like R or Python? Do they rely on regression analysis, machine learning, or good old-fashioned statistics? Their familiarity with these tools is crucial for robust data analysis.

How do you integrate insights from psychology with economic theories in your research?

Behavioral economics sits at the intersection of psychology and economics. How do they juggle insights from both these worlds to enrich their research? Listen for interdisciplinary approaches that demonstrate a holistic understanding.

Can you explain a recent project where you used behavioral data to influence policy making?

Policy impact is a big deal. Have they worked on projects that went beyond the academic realm and influenced real-world policies? Look for stories where they've used data to drive positive societal change.

How do you approach creating models that predict consumer behavior?

Predictive modeling is like peering into a crystal ball. How do they build these models? Do they use past data, machine learning algorithms, or novel theorems? Understanding their approach can give you insights into their strategic thinking.

What are your strategies for ensuring the robustness and reliability of your experimental data?

This one's about trustworthiness. How do they avoid biases and ensure their data is solid? Look for mentions of control groups, randomization, blinding techniques, and replication studies. You want someone who values accuracy as much as insight.

Can you share an example of how you've used nudges to alter decision-making behavior?

Nudges are the bread and butter of behavioral economics. What clever nudges have they implemented? It could be as simple as changing the default options or as complex as redesigning incentives. Their creativity here is key.

What role do you think behavioral economics will play in the future of policy design?

This question lets you peek into their crystal ball. How do they envision the future? Will behavioral economics take the lead in shaping policies? Are there emerging trends that excite them? Their perspective on the future will reflect their passion and forward-thinking.

How would you design an intervention to reduce bias in decision making?

Bias reduction is crucial. Whether it's tackling confirmation bias or addressing anchoring, candidates should have strategies. Listen for specific interventions they've designed or hypothetical ones they propose.

Discuss your experience with using A/B testing in behavioral economics research.

A/B testing is a favorite for many researchers. Have they used it to compare control and experimental conditions effectively? This question can reveal their methodological strengths and ability to derive clear, actionable insights.

How do you measure the impact of behavioral interventions?

Measuring impact is just as important as creating interventions. Do they track metrics like changes in behavior, compliance rates, or economic outcomes? Their metrics mirror their effectiveness in real-world applications.

Tell me about a time when your behavioral insights contradicted traditional economic predictions.

This one's juicy. Behavioral economics often challenges classical economic theories. Have they encountered situations where their insights upended traditional predictions? This shows their ability to navigate and contribute to paradigm shifts.

What challenges do you encounter when communicating behavioral economic concepts to non-experts?

Communication skills are crucial. How do they translate complex ideas into digestible concepts for non-experts? Do they use analogies, storytelling, or visual aids? Their challenges and solutions here will tell you a lot about their engagement skills.

How do you approach ethical considerations when conducting behavioral experiments?

Ethics are the backbone of good research. How do they ensure their studies are ethical? Do they follow protocols, obtain consent, and avoid manipulation? Their ethical compass is a critical factor.

Can you discuss your experience with multidisciplinary collaboration in behavioral economics projects?

Behavioral economics frequently crosses paths with various fields. Have they worked with psychologists, data scientists, or policy makers? Their ability to collaborate reflects their versatility and openness to diverse perspectives.

What is your experience with using software like R or Python for behavioral data analysis?

R and Python are powerhouses in data analysis. Are they skilled in these tools? Do they leverage libraries and frameworks for analysis? Their proficiency here is essential for handling complex, large datasets.

How do you ensure diversity and representativeness in your experimental samples?

Diversity matters. How do they ensure their samples aren't skewed? Do they employ stratified sampling, reach out to different demographics, or adjust for biases? Their approach to diversity is a testament to their research integrity.

Can you provide an example of how you've used behavioral insights to drive business or organizational change?

Real-world applications are where theories come alive. Have they helped businesses or organizations make data-driven decisions or implement change based on behavioral insights? Practical examples show their impact beyond research.