Article 2.2 - George Loewenstein & Nick Carter

Question 1

I-frame

Answer 1

Centers on individuals’ thoughts and actions, using nudges and minor incentives to modify behavior

Question 2

S-frame

Answer 2

Focuses on systematic changes to rules, norms, and institutions (economics, sociology and law)

Question 3

Limitations - I-frame

Answer 3

1. Fails to address root problems -many problems (obesity, retirement savings) stem from systematic failures rather than individual shortcomings
2. Limited scalability - it needs constant tweaking and changing
3. Illusion of progress - I-frame interventions can reduce public and policymaker support for more impactful systemic policies, as they create a false sense of progress
4. Corporate exploitation - Corporations often champion I-frame interventions to deflect attention from systemic reforms that could threaten their interests
5. Resource allocation - The focus on i-frame solutions diverts human, financial and research resources away from systematic reforms

Question 4

Results on nudging?

Answer 4

Studies on nudges report modest impacts at best - disappointing results

Question 5

Examples - Climate change

Answer 5

I-frame: nudges like social feedback on energy use and carbon calculators

S-frame: systemic measures such as carbon pricing, green building codes, and decarbonization of power grids

Question 6

Examples - Obesity

Answer 6

I-frame: calorie labeling, weight-loss incentives, and exercise nudges

S-frame: policies like sugar taxes and subsidies for healthy food

Question 7

Examples - Plastic waste

Answer 7

I-frame: anti-littering campaigns and recycling promotions

S-frame: bans on single-use plastics and extended producer responsibility programs

Question 8

Overall disadvantages I-frame

Answer 8

1. Fails to address root causes
2. Disproportionate responsibility on individuals
3. Limited scalability
4. Creates illusion of progress

Question 9

Overall advantages S-frame

Answer 9

1. Addresses underlying structures
2. Promotes equity (sugar tax applies universally)
3. Reduces cognitive burden
4. Sustainable impact

Question 10

I-frame is not sufficient without s-frame and they conflict at times

Answer 10

Education: i-frame interventions like “promoting growth mindsets” contrast with systematic reforms like equitable funding models

Question 11

Recommendations

Answer 11

Redirect research towards S-frame solutions, using behavioral insights to deisign and implement systematic reforms

Resist corporate efforts to promote I-frame interventions that align with their interests

Foster interdisciplinary collaboration to address the structural causes of societal problems