BRU Programmes
Who we work with, on what topics
Below are our current projects related to Finance and Consumer Choice, Household Services, Health, and the Environment. For prevous projects, please see our publication list.
Department of Finance
Switching to Better Value Financial Products
In a research programme funded by the Department of Finance, we are designing and testing interventions to boost consumers’ capability to switch to better value financial products.
The results of our first study (journal article and working paper) revealed that most people do not shop around when initially choosing a financial product but propensity to do so is a better predictor of later switching than financial savviness. Results also showed that consumers are motivated to switch primarily by financial gain but are inhibited by switching hassle and low confidence in their ability to switch. A second set of studies include lab and field trials that identify ways of framing switching information that are most effective in engaging people with advice and the switching process, and boosting comprehension and confidence. Results are expected in late 2024.
Pete Lunn
Deirdre Robertson
Shane Timmons
Olga Poluektova
Féidhlim McGowan
Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC)
Encouraging Active Saving for Financial Shocks
A programme of research to encourage active saving for financial shocks, funded by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, was run in 2021. The initial stages of the research included a literature review and analysis of existing survey data to identify potential interventions.
We then tested multiple evidence based “nudges” and “boosts” in a pre-registered large-scale randomised controlled trial by incorporating them into a savings account application form at a major commercial bank. Results were published in March 2022 (working paper). These interventions increased saving account uptake by 25-40%, with some effects concentrated among low-income households.
Shane Timmons
Deirdre Robertson
Pete Lunn
Health Insurance Authority
Health Insurance
A research programme funded by the Health Insurance Authority investigates consumer choices of private health insurance in Ireland. The first, diagnostic, stage of evaluated consumer understanding of health insurance and decision-making in existing health insurance markets. This study was carried out in 2021. The second stage designed and tested a behaviourally informed plan comparison tool that helps to choose private health insurance. The study was run in 2022 and the results are available here.
Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland
We are carrying out a research programme for the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland that examines gambling behaviours, patterns of gambling and potential links between gambling and broader life outcomes. In 2023, we published a review of the international evidence on important policy-relevant issues around problem gambling (paper). Later that year, we ran a study measuring the prevalence of problem gambling in Ireland (paper). The best estimate from that study is that 1-in-30 adults in Ireland suffers from problem gambling – ten times higher than a previous measure from 2019. In 2024, we will publish results or studies looking at the links between childhood experiences of gambling and problem gambling in adulthood, and at the effects of inducements to gamble (e.g. free bets) on gambling decision-making.
Department of Health
Behavioural Responses to COVID Measures
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, we have been working with the Department of Health on a range of projects concerning attitudes and behavioural responses to COVID restrictions and disease prevention measures.
We have tested posters to encourage social distancing (paper), flow diagrams to aid self-isolation decisions (paper), assessed attitudes about risky behaviours (paper) and the test and trace system (paper), tested the COVID tracker app (paper), assessed expectations of the lifting of restrictions (paper) and attitudes towards the COVID-19 vaccine (paper). We have also published a review of the international behavioural evidence on the best methods to communicate and administer vaccines to increase uptake (paper).
In January 2021 we began running the Social Activity Measure (SAM) in collaboration with the Department of the Taoiseach. SAM was a behavioural study that recorded the public response to the risk of COVID-19 infection. Data from a nationally representative sample of 1,000 adults were collected every two weeks, with reports published regularly here. SAM ceased running in 2022 after 36 iterations. A summary report will be available in 2024.
Pete Lunn
Deirdre Robertson
Shane Timmons
Hannah Julienne
Cameron Belton
Martina Barjaková
Ciarán Lavin
Féidhlim McGowan
Kieran Mohr
Olga Poluektova
Alexandros Papadopoulos
Ylva Andersson
Department of Health
Food Choice
This programme is funded by the Department of Health. We investigate how consumers make food choices and we test potential interventions designed to promote better choices.
In the first year, we conducted an experimental pre-test of different formats for calorie posting on restaurant menus. The study used a lab-in-the-field experiment that allowed us to track consumers’ eye-movements while they picked their lunch from a menu. The results (paper) showed that calorie posting reduced consumption, but the effect depended on the format. This behavioural evidence is informing planned legislation.
In the second year, we conducted two field trials to test whether the amount of high fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) foods people eat can be reduced by printing salient visual cues on packaging that show appropriate portion sizes. The results (paper) showed that the visual cues reduced consumption in some subgroups of the population.
In a third study (paper), we looked at the effect of NutriScore labelling on consumer choice and consumption. The study involved consumers making real purchases in an online store. Consumers who shopped with Nutri-Score labelled products made healthier purchases compared to those who shopped without labels, and wider availability of healthy options increased healthier purchases.
A fourth study looked at how the public in Ireland, the UK, and USA perceive the causes, consequences and severity of obesity, as well as obesity prevention policies, compared to experts (working paper).We find significant differences between expert and public views and between countries. The results of a fifth study on what explains differences in expert and public perceptions of obesity prevention policies will be available in late 2024.
Deirdre Robertson
Pete Lunn
Ylva Andersson
Ciarán Lavin
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM)
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Agriculture
This research programme supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) began in Summer 2019. The programme investigates behavioural factors and remedies in support of the Government’s target of the eradication of TB from the Irish herd.
The first stage of the project is complete. We undertook a large scale qualitative study to elicit comprehensively and inclusively the views of Irish farmers on TB and its eradication in Ireland. Interviews with farmers identified multiple specific factors involved in decisions to implement measures aimed at reducing the risk of TB incident, contexts in which this is less likely, and farmers’ concerns with the programme as it stands.
Understanding these factors and which are most important in various contexts will be crucial to the success of the eradication programme in Ireland. The next stage of the research programme is being designed. It will investigate further with experimental methods the mechanisms identified in the qualitative stage, and measure their respective influences. Results are expected in 2024.
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM)
Tuberculosis (TB)
This research programme supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) began in Summer 2019. The programme investigates behavioural factors and remedies in support of the Government’s target of the eradication of TB from the Irish herd.
The first stage of the project is complete. We undertook a large scale qualitative study to elicit comprehensively and inclusively the views of Irish farmers on TB and its eradication in Ireland. Interviews with farmers identified multiple specific factors involved in decisions to implement measures aimed at reducing the risk of TB incident, contexts in which this is less likely, and farmers’ concerns with the programme as it stands.
Understanding these factors and which are most important in various contexts will be crucial to the success of the eradication programme in Ireland. The next stage of the research programme is being designed. It will investigate further with experimental methods the mechanisms identified in the qualitative stage, and measure their respective influences.
Pete Lunn
Deirdre Robertson
Ciarán Lavin
Alexandros Papadopoulos
Children’s Health Ireland (CHI)
Serious Games for Medical Decision-Making
This work was funded by Children’s Health Ireland to explore behavioural mechanisms underlying inappropriate prescription and misuse of antibiotics in hospitals and solutions that would help improve prescribers’ decision-making. Together with the Antimicrobial Stewardship Team of Temple Street Children’s Hospital, we carried out a scoping review of non-clinical factors that influence decisions to prescribe antimicrobials. The paper is available here.
Olga Poluektova
Ciarán Lavin
Deirdre Robertson
Pete Lunn
National Screening Service
Public Perceptions of Cervical Screening
A research programme funded by the National Screening Service investigates public perceptions of cervical screening in Ireland. The first study evaluated how well women in Ireland understand cervical screening, how much they trust the screening system and whether existing materials designed to inform women who are invited to participate in screening affect their comprehension and trust (working paper). Results showed that study participants in Ireland had lower trust and attributed higher blame towards screening services than participants in Scotland. However, exposure to information materials improved trust and reduced blame. The results of a second study to testing an intervention to further enhance comprehension and trust among Irish women will be available in late 2024.
National Disability Authority (NDA)
Public Attitudes towards Disability
In a collaboration with the Social Inclusion and Education teams at the ESRI, we conducted a survey experiment on public attitudes towards disability policy. Results are available here and here. The study was funded by the National Disability Authority.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Testing for Radon
In one of multiple programmes funded by Environmental Protection Agency, we are testing ways to encourage people to test their home for exposure to radon. In the first phase, we conducted an online experiment to test how features of radon risk maps influence willingness to test for radon. The report is available here.
The next phase was a field trial. The trial tested whether behaviourally-informed letters issued to households can improve testing rates in high-risk areas. Results are available here.
The next phase will investigate ways to improve remediation rates for those affected by high levels of radon.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Communicating Environmental Issues
The Environmental Protection Agency commissioned us to examine ways to improve communication about environmental issues with young people. Work on this project began in Summer 2021, with a review of the relevant literature and discussion with key stakeholders.
In April 2022, we conducted a pre-registered, online experiment with 500 young people aged 16-24 to test whether framing climate change information in generational terms affects worry about climate change, perception of others’ worry, belief in collective action and pro-environmental intentions. The study produced two outputs. The first was published as a Working Paper in July 2022 and showed generational framing amplified worry about climate change, with limited effects on other measures. Providing accurate information on older people’s worry boosted belief in collective action, particularly for the majority who initially underestimated it. The second, an ESRI report, details young people’s knowledge of climate mitigation actions and their support for change.
Shane Timmons
Ylva Andersson
Pete Lunn
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Improving Household Waste Management
In another programme funded by the Environmental Protection Agency, we are examining ways to improve household waste management. Work on this project began in 2022, and we are currently designing a field trial to be run with households. The aim is to test behaviourally-informed way to improve people’s use of recycling bins and food waste bins.
The trial is expected to run in 2024, with results later in the year.
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI)
Efficiency of Household Hot Water Use
This programme is funded by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and is being run in co-operation with Climote Ltd who have developed in-home-display technology that shows householders how much hot water they have in their tanks. It is a multi-stage programme that first tested different interface designs for a Smartphone App in an online study. The most promising interface will now be tested in a field trial. Results from the field trial are expected in late 2024.
Diarmaid Ó Ceallaigh
Deirdre Robertson
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Perceptions of Environmental Risks
As part of the EPA-ESRI research programme, we are conducting research on how the public perceive multiple environmental risks, including radon, lead and air pollution. The first output from this project shows that measures of perceptions of environmental health risks in surveys can be biased by the survey instructions (paper).
Alexandros Papadopoulos
Shane Timmons
Pete Lunn
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Greenwashing and Consumer Choice
In another EPA-ESRI research programme project, we are conducting experimental research on the effects of greenwashing on consumer choice. The project will also test an intervention to help consumers identify greenwashing and “boost” decision-making. Results are expected in late 2024.
Olga Poluektova
Pete Lunn
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The EPA have commissioned us to investigate how eco-labels on products can be used to inform consumer choice and help consumers shift towards sustainable products. Results are expected in 2024.
Deirdre Roberston
Shane Timmons
Pete Lunn
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Everyday Barriers to Climate Mitigation Behaviours
In another EPA-funded project, we plan to use experience sampling methodology to identify barriers to pro-climate alternatives of everyday behaviours (e.g. mode of transport, diet choices). This is a two-year project, with results expected in 2024.
Ylva Andersson
Shane Timmons
Pete Lunn
The National Transport Authority
The National Transport Authority have commissioned us to examine the ways in which people think about active modes of travel and infrastructure implementation. Work has begun on the design of multiple studies, with the first outputs available here and here.
Fingal County Council
Behaviour Change and Active Travel
Fingal County Council have commissioned us to conduct research on how active travel infrastructure can best lead to behaviour change. The first output from this project was a review of the international literature on how to design active travel infrastructure with a view to maximising uptake (paper). Future work will involve behaviourally-informing infrastructure and recording use.have commissioned us to conduct research on how active travel infrastructure can best lead to behaviour change. Work on this project began in Summer 2022, with a review of the international literature on how to design active travel infrastructure with a view to maximising uptake. Future work will involve behaviourally-informing infrastructure and recording use.
Shane Timmons
Pete Lunn
Ylva Andersson
Féidhlim McGowan
Irish Research Council
Many people find carbon taxes to be unfair and, hence, there is little political appetite for them. But carbon taxes can be designed in many ways: how much people pay, who pays most, how the money is used or redistributed. In this IRC-funded project, we are investigating whether some designs can provide strong disincentives to produce emissions yet also be perceived as fair. Whether people find a carbon tax acceptable may depend also on how it is framed and explained. It is reasonable to assume understanding why a tax is higher on one product than another will alter the likelihood that the tax is seen as fair. Without that understanding, even fair policies may be regarded as arbitrary and unjust. By using controlled laboratory and online experiments, we will be able to draw stronger inferences about what causes people to view particular designs as fair or unfair. These will inform further interventions to test. In summary, this project on the design, framing and comprehension of carbon taxes will blend an idea central to the economics of climate change – including the social cost of emissions in the market price – with state-of-the-art methods from behavioural economics and experimental psychology. Findings will provide direct evidence for policy.
Geological Survey of Ireland
Mineral Exploration and Mining
We worked with the Geological Survey of Ireland as part of PACIFIC, an EU-funded Horizon 2020 consortium investigating innovative mineral exploration techniques. We contributed to a social research strand of the project, looking at the public’s perception of mineral exploration and mining in Ireland. The first experimental study was conducted in 2019 and tested whether the format of information provision affected people’s comprehension of the issues surrounding mineral exploration and their acceptance of it. The results suggested that people had low familiarity with the topic and informed the design of the second study. The second study explored how people integrate conflicting information about an unfamiliar environmental topic – mineral exploration – to form opinions about it. It was conducted in 2021. The results have been submitted to a journal and the manuscript is under review.
Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications
We are undertaking a project funded by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications that explores ways to encourage online behaviours that help to prevent the possibility of cyberattacks.