Economic Development

The SPARQ Solutions Catalog is an online library of scientifically tested fixes to a wide variety of social issues and conflicts.

Easily searchable and practitioner-focused, it provides a curated set of evidence-based behavioral nudges in education, health, law & justice, peace & conflict, relationships, parenting, and the environment.

Civil Society Conflict Resolution Criminal Justice Economic Development Education Environment Health Parenting Relationships

Reface the Space to Keep Women in Tech

Problem: Stereotypically "geeky" spaces discourage women from pursuing science, technology, engineering, and math.

Solution: A few changes in room decorations can help women feel like they belong in STEM.

Economic Development, Education

Raise Grades by Mapping Your Future Self

Problem: Low-income students and students of color often earn worse grades than do wealthier and White students.

Solution: Plotting a path from who you are now to who you want to be in the future helps students identify with school and earn better grades.

Economic Development, Education

Improve Self-Image to Increase Savings

Problem: Many sex workers in India enter the profession to avoid poverty but then are shunned from society and can’t access financial resources.

Solution: Improving how sex workers think of their profession helps them plan for the future and save more.

Economic Development

Use Good Feelings to Improve Hygiene

Problem: Diarrhea is the second leading cause of children’s death worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.

Solution: Changing people’s feelings about washing their hands with soap improves hygiene, which in turn reduces diarrhea.

Economic Development, Health

Radio Soaps Stop Hate

Problem: Nearly 20 years after war and genocide killed 75% of Rwandan Tutsis, the accused perpetrators and their survivors must now learn to live side by side.

Solution: A radio soap opera that shows people how to speak out against corrupt leaders and reconnect with their neighbors helps communities heal after genocide.

Conflict Resolution, Economic Development