Boosting (behavioral science)
Behavioral science technique
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Boosting is a behavioral science technique that aims to improve a person's ability to initiate and control their actions, and ability to make informed decisions.[1] It is an intervention or strategy designed to enhance individuals' decision-making capabilities, cognitive skills, or behaviors by improving their competences.
Training in the ability to interpret statistical information, particularly Bayesian reasoning,[2] as well as training the basic accounting heuristics and procedural routines.[3] AI-powered boosting refers to the use of artificial intelligence tools and systems for boosting.[4] Unlike manual boosting, which relies on human-delivered interventions, AI-powered boosting leverages automation of providing decision aids that guide humans to attend to the important information and integrate it according to a rational decision strategy.[5]
Comparison with nudging
Like nudging, boosting is a public policy based on behavioral science. Yet, not all public policy based on behavioral science evidence can be equated with nudging.[6] Nudging works by shaping the external context to guide behavior, whereas boosting focuses on building internal capacities to enable better decision-making. Both approaches have their strengths and can be complementary.[6]
In contrast to nudging, boosting is based on the premise that people can find their way around complex environments and make largely rational decisions despite their limited cognitive capacities.[7] This can also be described as ecological rationality.