Social, behavioural and evaluation research
Social, behavioural and and evaluation research reports, guidance and toolkits that help shape policy and operational delivery across Department for Transport.
Government social researchers provide fit-for-purpose, timely evidence and technical expertise on social and behavioural aspects of transport to inform policy and operational delivery across the Department for Transport (DfT) and its agencies.
Social research generates data and analysis using the methods of social science such as:
- social surveys
- focus groups
- in-depth interviews
- case studies
- deliberative research
All the social research we do follows the government social research (GSR) code set out in the Government social research: profession strategy 2015 to 2020.
The DfT social and behavioural research team also provides advice and expertise in the application of behavioural insights to policy and operations.
Behavioural insights is a branch of social science that explains how people make decisions and how this influences their behaviour. This can help policymakers and internal teams design effective solutions to behavioural challenges.
Newer areas of behavioural insights include their application to the behaviour of organisations.
Evaluation
Monitoring and evaluation are important activities for any learning organisation that aims progressively to improve its performance. They allow for systematic learning from past and current activities – ‘what works, what does not work’ and ‘why’. This provides DfT with greater accountability and a strong evidence base for future decision-making.
Accessibility and mobility
Aviation and flying
Social and behavioural research and evaluation reports relating to aviation and flying.
COVID-19
Social and behavioural research and evaluation reports relating to COVID-19.
Cross-cutting and multimodal
Social and behavioural research and evaluation reports relating to cross-cutting and multimodal transport.
Cycling, wheeling and walking
Maritime
Social and behavioural research and evaluation reports relating to maritime.
Older people and transport
Roads and driving
Social and behavioural research and evaluation reports relating to roads.
Rail
Social and behavioural research and evaluation reports relating to rail.
Zero emission vehicles and low carbon transport
Social and behavioural research and evaluation reports relating to zero emission vehicles and low carbon transport.