Testing to see if an awareness messaging campaign about ‘social bads’ will actually work: why experimental techniques are best

This briefing note explains why awareness raising or strategic communications campaigns that aim to inform the public about controlling or fighting so-called ‘social bads’ (e.g. corruption and organised crime). Despite aiming to change behaviours, these campaigns end up having little effect and, in some cases, may even backfire, making the situation worse.

Caryn Peiffer and Nic Cheeseman

Febraury 2024