WGBH Morning Edition host Bob Seay breaks down research analysis with Todd Rogers, a social psychologist and behavioral scientist at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. During the Election Day interview, Rogers examines recent studies he’s conducted on what gets voters to go out and vote.
Rogers says behavioral science research within academic settings is being used by many campaigns to mobilize voters. According to Rogers, among some of the tactics are, “things like emphasizing that lots of other people are voting, verses too few people are voting.” He says some residents may have received “voter report cards” in the mail, comparing their voter history to their neighbors, which Rogers says it’s incredibly motivating. http://goo.gl/lMJGOp
Rogers says by monitoring elections, research shows how a person’s happiness and sadness are affected by losing elections. He says researchers used hundreds of observations to see the impact on voters and campaign volunteers. Benchmarks were two national tragedies: the Boston Marathon Bombing in 2013 and the Newtown School Shooting in 2012.
Rogers also shares the research he’s conducted on the “Motivating power of Under-Confidence,” and how it helps candidates who are trying to win over uncommitted voters.
