How does behavioral economics differ from traditional economics?

Behavioral economics stands out from traditional economics largely because it incorporates psychological factors that influence individuals' decision-making processes. Traditional economics often assumes that individuals are rational actors who have access to all relevant information and make decisions solely based on logical reasoning and utility maximization. However, behavioral economics recognizes that human behavior is often affected by cognitive biases, emotions, social influences, and various psychological factors that can lead to decisions that deviate from what would be considered rational.

By understanding these psychological elements, behavioral economists can better explain and predict why people may make choices that seem illogical or inconsistent with traditional economic theories. For instance, factors such as framing effects, loss aversion, and heuristics play crucial roles in how consumers evaluate options and make choices in real-world scenarios. Therefore, the focus on psychological factors in decision-making is what distinctly characterizes behavioral economics and highlights its divergence from the assumptions of classical economic models.