So there’s lots of small studies showing nudges work, but some studies say the same nudges are harmful. Instead, I’d recommend relying more upon evidence syntheses, when they’re available. Some things that are ‘strongly recommended’ by theory and experts just don’t stand up to the data (e.g., ‘legitimising paltry contributions’) because of counter-veiling forces (e.g., anchoring). A whole bunch of EAs finished this project earlier in the year to summarise all the evidence syntheses: https://​​psyarxiv.com/​​yxmva/​​ You might find it a useful summary.
So there’s lots of small studies showing nudges work, but some studies say the same nudges are harmful. Instead, I’d recommend relying more upon evidence syntheses, when they’re available. Some things that are ‘strongly recommended’ by theory and experts just don’t stand up to the data (e.g., ‘legitimising paltry contributions’) because of counter-veiling forces (e.g., anchoring). A whole bunch of EAs finished this project earlier in the year to summarise all the evidence syntheses: https://​​psyarxiv.com/​​yxmva/​​ You might find it a useful summary.
Thanks for the source!