Course # 31941 Section Number 2 Day(s) Tu- Th Time(s) 11:00am-12:20pm Term Spring 2026 Course Instructor Kim Wolske Syllabus Syllabus 2/26/25 Many policies are aimed at influencing people's behavior. The most well-intentioned policies can fail, however, if they are not designed to be compatible with the way people actually think and make decisions. This course will draw from the fields of cognitive, social, and environmental psychology to (1) examine the ways in which human behavior deviates from the standard rational actor model typically assumed by economics, and (2) provide strategies for improving the design, implementation, and evaluation of public-facing policies. The basic premise of this course is that a foundational understanding of human behavior can lead not only to more effective policies, but enhanced decision-making and well-being. This course was previously titled Psychology for Policy Designers. Notes Registered students who do not attend during week 1 of class will forfeit their seat and be withdrawn. Course Sections Quarter Course # Title Instructor Day(s) Time(s) Syllabus Spring 2026 PPHA 31941/1 Behavioral Science and Public Policy Kim Wolske Tuesday, Thursday 9:30am-10:50am Syllabus Spring 2026 PPHA 31941/2 Behavioral Science and Public Policy Kim Wolske Tuesday, Thursday 11:00am-12:20pm Syllabus Recent News More news Federal Tax Credits in 2021 Lifted More than 2 Million Children Out of Poverty, Says New Report Thu., September 25, 2025 Alumni Profile: Ethan Przytulski, PRIB’25 Thu., September 25, 2025 A Tale of Two Transitions: New Harris Research Unpacks Intergenerational Mobility in China and Russia Tue., September 16, 2025 Upcoming Events More events Coffee Chat in Bloomington, Indiana Tue., September 30, 2025 | 9:00 AM Crumble Coffee and Bakery 316 S Swain Ave Bloomington, IN 47401 United States Drop-in Application Consultation Tue., September 30, 2025 | 9:30 AM Coffee Chat in Indianapolis, Indiana Tue., September 30, 2025 | 3:30 PM Hubbard & Cravens Coffee Co 4930 N Pennsylvania St Indianapolis, IN 46205 United States