Heeya Das

What is the neurological basis for default biases?

Started Jan. 14, 2023

Abstract or project description

Since the publication of Thaler and Sunstein 2009, extensive work has been done to research nudges, including defaults. Defaults are one of the most prevalent areas of study within nudges, with over a thousand citations. But little has been discovered on the neurological bases for them. In this literature review, I discuss current work done in default biases, and then use System 1 and System 2 thinking as an exploratory model to explain default biases. I then draw conclusions on one area of the brain which may contribute to default bias using this model. I will contribute to the literature, by making novel proposition based on this model which may be used in future research.