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What Makes You Click? The U.S. Government Intends to Find Out

U.S. President Barack Obama speaks at a town hall style meeting at North High School on September 14, 2015 in Des Moines, Iowa. — U.S. President Barack Obama speaks at a town hall style meeting at North High School on September 14, 2015 in Des Moines, Iowa.
Photo by Steve Pope/Getty Images

By

Toluse Olorunnipa

September 15, 2015, 5:39 PM UTC

The U.S. government is trying to figure out what moves you -- specifically what moves you to get off the couch and sign up for federal benefits.

The Obama administration is dipping into research in behavioral economics and psychology to scrutinize federal documents, websites and procedures to get a better sense of what’s working -- and what’s not working -- to make the most of government programs from college aid to veterans benefits.