BIT·Jan 18Do school exclusions increase crime? Our new evidence isn’t encouragingExclusions are the most severe punishments available in the English school system and involve removing students from school on a temporary basis (a suspension) or permanently (an expulsion). It is also one of the most persistent and well-established risk factors for future criminal behaviour. In our data, nearly 50% of…Education5 min readEducation5 min read
Ed Flahavan·Jan 17Just noise? Using GPT3 to analyse Google reviews of London police stationsAt a push, most of us might leave a review of a particularly good or bad restaurant. But who reviews a police station? And can we learn anything from the reviews? There are often formal complaints channels for public services. But you’re unlikely to do that if you just can’t…Customer Experience13 min readCustomer Experience13 min read
BIT·Dec 13, 2022What is the relationship between domestic abuse and football?One in four women will be affected by domestic abuse in their lifetimes. Experiencing this kind of violence can have negative emotional, physical and financial effects, including an 18% decrease in lifetime earnings and a 42% increase in time spent receiving welfare benefits. Unfortunately, reports of domestic violence in the…Domestic Violence5 min readDomestic Violence5 min read
BIT·Dec 9, 2022Why a winter World Cup could be the education reform of the decadeBoys scored worse than girls on exams in 2002, 2004, and 2006 in the UK. But not 2008. Why? Researchers at the University of Bristol point towards a surprising source for the upturn in 2008: Steve McClaren — who failed to lead England to compete in the 2008 European Championships…Football3 min readFootball3 min read
BIT·Nov 22, 20225 traps to avoid on Black FridayIt’s Black Friday time again. This year UK spending is expected to hit £7.5bn with customers spending over £200 each on average according to PwC. This trumps the typical spend during Boxing Day of around £186 each. …Black Friday7 min readBlack Friday7 min read
BIT·Nov 1, 2022Five ways to cut your energy bill that actually workThe energy crisis has prompted an explosion of interest in how to save energy and reduce bills. While many suggestions are familiar and easy to understand, there are plenty of highly effective behavioural actions that are less well known but no less effective. …Energy5 min readEnergy5 min read
BIT·Oct 18, 2022Humans are great at risk denial — even with tigersWe overestimate our ability to manage risks and find it easy to rationalise our own risk-taking Motor vehicles are ubiquitous in our everyday life, and we live with the risk of accidents in literally every corner. …Sustainability5 min readSustainability5 min read
BIT·Oct 5, 2022Investors are stuck between climate commitments and actionWe are now truly witnessing the devastating effects of the climate crisis. Heat waves, droughts, floods and violent storms are occurring more frequently and intensely, with the US experiencing one of the worst hurricanes in recorded history last week. This year has also seen increased urgency of climate action, from…Sustainability4 min readSustainability4 min read
BIT·Sep 28, 2022How can citizens shape the future of social media platforms?Innovation in platform governance An everyday genius of humans is that we collaborate and cooperate to get things done. We share with others our thoughts and values, and they in turn share, support, and challenge. However, this process can also create the conditions for offence, misunderstanding and conflict. …Social Media6 min readSocial Media6 min read
BIT·Sep 1, 2022Saving the elephants with behavioural insightsValued at approx £15 billion annually, illegal wildlife trade is the 4th biggest international illegal activity after drugs, illegal arms dealing, and human trafficking. It is a pressing global issue that threatens the existence of species high in cultural and ecological value, finances organised crime, and contributes to the instability…Sustainability6 min readSustainability6 min read
