Behavioral Economics

Why do we often think we know what we want, only to be disappointed with our purchases and choices? Behavioral economics shows just how irrational humans can be. Here's insight into the surprising ways in which our emotions and thought patterns guide us toward predictable economic decisions.

The Behavioral Side of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance

By Louis Putterman Ph.D. on February 18, 2017 in The Good, The Bad, The Economy

The tendency to engage in "mental accounting" can help government to target assistance where it is intended.

Employee Engagement Is Declining, but Managers Can Help

By Victor Lipman on February 09, 2017 in Mind of the Manager

Three key metrics involving recognition, transparency and peer relationships show a decline in employee engagement. All of these issues are fixable with effective management.

Super Bowl Ads Wade into Politics

By The Research Lab on February 07, 2017 in The Fundamentals

Why would companies take a stand? By Julie Irwin, Ph.D.

The Anxiety of Globalization

By The Research Lab on February 06, 2017 in The Fundamentals

And leveraging human capital. By Moris Simson.

Why Soft Skills Mean Hard Results in Business

By Beverly D. Flaxington on February 06, 2017 in Understand Other People

Have you ever learned how to roll with the punches or get along with others? It’s never too late to learn new tricks. Here are 5 steps you can take to sharpen your soft skills.

The Lure of the Special Occasion

By Shahram Heshmat Ph.D. on February 02, 2017 in Science of Choice

Why is relapse so often preceded by the statement that this is a “special occasion”?

Frito Lay Pepsi Super Bowl by Kyle Lane Flickr Licensed Under CC BY 2.0

Why Have Super Bowl Ad Prices Doubled Since 2007?

By Utpal Dholakia Ph.D. on February 02, 2017 in The Science Behind Behavior

One big reason is growth of consumer engagement through social media.

From Function Head to CEO's Valued Adviser

By Larry Stybel, Ed.D. and Maryanne Peabody, MBA on February 01, 2017 in Platform for Success

From function head to CEO's valued business adviser. Ready to make the journey? We have a road map for you.

How Breaking Up is Like Quitting Your Job

By Samantha Joel on January 31, 2017 in Dating Decisions

What do romantic breakups and employment "breakups" have in common? A lot, actually.

A New Kind of Clairvoyance

By Eric Haseltine Ph.D. on January 31, 2017 in Long Fuse, Big Bang

Your digital behavior now lets others predict your future

Pexels, Licensed under Creative Common Zero (CC0), no attribution required.

"A Vicious Cycle": The Paradox of Apologies and Lawsuits

By Ruth Lee Johnson J.D. on January 30, 2017 in So Sue Me

Do apologies invite litigation? Or do apologies prevent litigation?

Zol Korabi by Rolo Natkys Flickr Licensed Under CC BY 2.0 (2)

Just How Many Amazon MTurk Survey-Takers Are There?

By Utpal Dholakia Ph.D. on January 30, 2017 in The Science Behind Behavior

Amazingly, Amazon doesn’t share the number. Other sources give us some idea, and the number is much smaller than we might expect.

Team Trump's Troubling Relationship with Truth

By Victor Lipman on January 26, 2017 in Mind of the Manager

It's common for business people to "spin" the facts a bit, but spinning and lying are very different.

The Neurochemistry of Power Conversations

By Judith E. Glaser on January 25, 2017 in Conversational Intelligence

You will recognize this situation: The boss gathers all the teams reporting to business unit heads, including you, for a meeting. Why doesn't it work?

Noblesse Oblige in a “Let Them Eat Cake” Nouveau Riche Era

By Christopher Bergland on January 25, 2017 in The Athlete's Way

All too often, a "greed is good" mentality makes people behave selfishly. This post presents anecdotal and empirical evidence that reaffirm the benefits of generosity and kindness.

Merry Christmas by Natashi Ray Flickr Licensed Under CC BY 2.0

Five Ways to Shop Smart and Spend Less On a Must-Have Toy

By Utpal Dholakia Ph.D. on January 23, 2017 in The Science Behind Behavior

Here's what an analysis of 34,000+ Hatchimals auctions on eBay tells shoppers to do.

How Donald Trumps Facts With Feelings

By Douglas Van Praet on January 23, 2017 in Unconscious Branding

If you were surprised by the election you shouldn't be. Campaigns are won by feelings not facts.

Getting Good Advice From Your Physician

By Peter A. Ubel M.D. on January 19, 2017 in Critical Decisions

Patients should make sure physicians understand their goals well enough to help them make the right choices.

500 or 5,000 Jobs Lost: It's All the Same to Us

By Jeff Galak Ph.D. on January 18, 2017 in The Psychology of Everyday Life

Job loss and growth is constantly being discussed in the media. Do we really understand how to interpret the numbers thrown at us? Maybe not.

Fat Cats Are Actually Slim

By Nigel Barber Ph.D. on January 18, 2017 in The Human Beast

New research finds that people who are slim and tall are significantly more likely to buy stocks.

Marketing is Evil

By Marty Nemko Ph.D. on January 17, 2017 in How To Do Life

Marketers use many psychological ploys to make you buy what you shouldn't.

Malthus, Parkinson and the Ministry of Repeal

By John Staddon, Ph.D. on January 16, 2017 in Adaptive Behavior

Our legislative system is unbalanced. Too many, too bad, too old laws. Malthus and Parkinson show us the cause. Creating yet another bureaucracy may provide a cure.

Magical Christmas Gift by MNStudio Licensed from Shutterstock

When's the Best Time to Buy the Year's Must-Have Toy?

By Utpal Dholakia Ph.D. on January 15, 2017 in The Science Behind Behavior

An analysis of how much people paid for Hatchimals on eBay during the 2016 holiday season gives helpful clues.

7 Bargaining Tips for Reasonable People

By Naveed Saleh M.D., M.S. on January 15, 2017 in The Red-Light District

Donald Trump's proposed tax cuts are one way that your bottom line can increase. But you are in control of another way: negotiating. Learn how to become a better bargainer.

Copyright: Han Vi Pham Thi, Source: Unsplash.com Public use license

Money Doesn’t Buy Happiness, but Power Might

By Sarah C. Newcomb Ph.D. on January 13, 2017 in Loaded

A sense of personal power, not money itself, may be the key to peace, joy, pride, and satisfaction in our financial lives.

Impressive Compulsive Disorder

By Jeremy E Sherman Ph.D. on January 12, 2017 in Ambigamy

At the extreme, there's the pathological climber, the power-hoarder who doesn't care if winning the game destroys the game board. Trump is one.

What's the Best Way to Judge a Psychopath's Empathy?

By Susan Krauss Whitbourne Ph.D. on January 10, 2017 in Fulfillment at Any Age

We need the people we place our trust into to show they're empathic. New research shows why baby-kissing becomes such an important measure of psychopathy.