The case for qualitative methods in behavioural studies for EU policy-making

The past ten years have seen empirical evidence about human behaviour gradually find its way into the policy-making process, around the world and at different levels of governance. This behavioural turn in policy-making largely relies on quantitative methodology to gather evidence. Among these, randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and experiments have been especially prevalent. By contrast, qualitative methods have been less popular. We believe this relative neglect is misguided, and argue for a more prominent role of qualitative methods in behavioural studies for EU policy-making.