Applying Behavioral Science to Human Services Programs: The BIAS Project
The goal of the Behavioral Interventions to Advance Self-Sufficiency (BIAS) project was to learn how tools from behavioral science could be used to deliver human services more efficiently and effectively to low-income children, adults, and families. BIAS conducted 15 randomized controlled trials of behavioral interventions across seven states in the domains of work support, child support, and child care. In 11 of the 15 trials, behavioral “nudges” like reminders or simplified, personalized letters had a statistically significant impact on at least one primary outcome. This video summarizes those trials, highlighting three interventions in Indiana, Los Angeles, and Texas.