<p>CBM is not so much a theoretical framework but rather a label attached to a collection of methods and biases. In a way, this reflects the state of research on heuristics and biases, at least in behavioral economics. As many famed findings in the field have come from attempts to "disprove" traditional economic theory, the resulting effects (biases) have often remained without a satisfying explanation in the form of a plausible cognitive process. This has hindered<br>
the formulation of a common theoretical framework in which various biases 
could be classified (according to, e.g., underlying cognitive mechanisms,  preconditions w.r.t. context and subject, effective interventions).</p>

<p>(To name an exception, a framework covering comparison selection was recently proposed by <a href="https://faculty.fuqua.duke.edu/~jrb12/bio/Jim/simonson%20bettman%20kramer%20payne.pdf" rel="nofollow">Simonson, Bettman, Kramer &amp; Payne 2012</a>. The authors cover a number of effects which may commonly be labeled "biases". In addition, various frameworks based on some form of dual-process theory have been proposed, but there is a lot of redundancy between them.)</p>

<p>In addition, the "heuristics and biases" literature has remained largely separate from the psychology of behavior change and, arguably, from cognitive psychology. Look no further than the popular "Nudge" by Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein: almost all of their implications are derived directly from the biases "as effects" rather than being derived within a more general framework grounded in cognitive process theory.</p>

<p>In short, to the best of my knowledge, the framework that you seek does not exist. I expect that you will find it necessary to devise behavior change strategies one bias at a time.</p>

<p><em>As a final remark, the heuristics and biases literature has been criticized for tarnishing what may actually be highly adaptative and efficient cognitive strategies (see the illuminating works by Gerd Gigerenzer). Accordingly, many a bias may be exploitable only under rather specific and unusual circumstances.</em></p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-02-15T23:34:54.507Z
2016-02-15T23:34:54.507Z
Ben
<p>I'm interested in using cognitive biases as basis for behavior change, similar to what we see in gaminfication (e.g. instant gratification to hook people to continue playing). I'm new to the field and I wonder if there are some underlying theories I should be aware of.
I found <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_bias_modification" rel="nofollow">Cognitive bias modification</a> however they seem to focus on clinical applications helping patients with depression, anxiety or addiction.</p>

<p>Is there a theory about how to apply cognitive biases for more general or other behavior change directions (not clinical applications)?
Let's say I have a certain unwanted habit I want to get rid off, depending on the habit and my background, there might be cognitive biases to help me change the habit.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-02-17T07:03:35.063Z
I address your question in my work on behavioral design and habit-formation. I put cognitive bias in the "action phase" of my Hook Model. See by book, [Hooked](http://www.nirandfar.com/gethooked), for more.
Nir Eyal
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-02-17T12:08:59.803Z
@NirEyal That could be relevant to the question. In case you elaborate a bit more on how this relates to the question, and shortly answer it, you could post it as an answer.
Steven Jeuris
<cognitive-psychology><bias><theory-of-mind><behavioral-economics>
Using Cognitive biases for behavior change?
kgarten
# Using Cognitive biases for behavior change?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2016-02-15)

I'm interested in using cognitive biases as basis for behavior change, similar to what we see in gaminfication (e.g. instant gratification to hook people to continue playing). I'm new to the field and I wonder if there are some underlying theories I should be aware of.
I found [Cognitive bias modification](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_bias_modification) however they seem to focus on clinical applications helping patients with depression, anxiety or addiction.

Is there a theory about how to apply cognitive biases for more general or other behavior change directions (not clinical applications)?
Let's say I have a certain unwanted habit I want to get rid off, depending on the habit and my background, there might be cognitive biases to help me change the habit.

**Tags:** cognitive-psychology, bias, theory-of-mind, behavioral-economics

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: I address your question in my work on behavioral design and habit-formation. I put cognitive bias in the "action phase" of my Hook Model. See by book, [Hooked](http://www.nirandfar.com/gethooked), for more.  
> **username_2**: @NirEyal That could be relevant to the question. In case you elaborate a bit more on how this relates to the question, and shortly answer it, you could post it as an answer.  

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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_3 on 2016-02-15. Score: 1 | Accepted answer

CBM is not so much a theoretical framework but rather a label attached to a collection of methods and biases. In a way, this reflects the state of research on heuristics and biases, at least in behavioral economics. As many famed findings in the field have come from attempts to "disprove" traditional economic theory, the resulting effects (biases) have often remained without a satisfying explanation in the form of a plausible cognitive process. This has hindered  
the formulation of a common theoretical framework in which various biases
could be classified (according to, e.g., underlying cognitive mechanisms, preconditions w.r.t. context and subject, effective interventions).

(To name an exception, a framework covering comparison selection was recently proposed by [Simonson, Bettman, Kramer & Payne 2012](https://faculty.fuqua.duke.edu/~jrb12/bio/Jim/simonson%20bettman%20kramer%20payne.pdf). The authors cover a number of effects which may commonly be labeled "biases". In addition, various frameworks based on some form of dual-process theory have been proposed, but there is a lot of redundancy between them.)

In addition, the "heuristics and biases" literature has remained largely separate from the psychology of behavior change and, arguably, from cognitive psychology. Look no further than the popular "Nudge" by Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein: almost all of their implications are derived directly from the biases "as effects" rather than being derived within a more general framework grounded in cognitive process theory.

In short, to the best of my knowledge, the framework that you seek does not exist. I expect that you will find it necessary to devise behavior change strategies one bias at a time.

*As a final remark, the heuristics and biases literature has been criticized for tarnishing what may actually be highly adaptative and efficient cognitive strategies (see the illuminating works by Gerd Gigerenzer). Accordingly, many a bias may be exploitable only under rather specific and unusual circumstances.*


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