The lack of a common terminology for nudges and related behaviour-based interventions has so far hindered interdisciplinary exchange and the comparability of research results. This study addresses this problem by developing a comprehensive classification system that allows interventions to be described systematically. In a multi-stage Delphi process involving 44 experts from various disciplines and fields of practice, an initially theory-driven system is iteratively validated and refined. The result is META BI (Mapping of Environment, Target group and Agent for Behavioural Interventions), a classification system with 20 dimensions and 17 psychological mechanisms of action. The approach follows a systemic perspective and shifts the focus from supposedly universal ‘true effects’ to contextualised impact analyses. META BI thus offers a structured basis for better understanding, comparing and evaluating nudges and related measures in a targeted manner.
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