ABSTRACT
This chapter examines what was learned through research from around the world about the efficacy of nudge theory in predicting behavioural compliance with measures designed to encourage people to desist from normal, everyday activities. Nudges require the presence of signals or triggers in the environment that push people towards specific behaviour choices. If these signals are missed, however, compliance might not occur. Nevertheless, proponents of nudge theory have shown how its techniques can change public behaviour in subtle ways and sometimes almost unconsciously. The theory was tested during the pandemic not just via government policies but also by independent research studies that investigated its ability to condition compliance with the withdrawal from normal activities required of their populations by many governments.
