Area: Marketing

A dark blue maze with a white arrow that shows the way out all against a light blue background. Research Brief / Consumer Behavior

Proposed: Give Consumers on Amazon a Direct Line to Small Business Products

Third-party sellers would gain; consumers might pay more but increase control of products display

Two columns of three different menu price plans for internet services. Research Brief / Nudges

A Common Marketing Nudge Can Foster Consumer Distrust

Placing an inferior ‘decoy’ option in a menu of choices can trigger people to take their business elsewhere

Cans of Ayam Brand tuna Research Brief / Retail

A Smaller Middle Class Means Less Variety on Grocery Shelves

Researchers compare income disparity by county to product availability

Two different mocked up advertisements for a bank. Research Brief / Marketing

Ads Using Personalized Tracking Raised Privacy Concerns. The Substitute Isn’t Problem-Free

The spots, aimed at demographic groups, can feel like stereotyping, even discriminatory

Three images of man's profile Feature / Behavioral Decision Making

Advancing the Study of Using Future-Self Images to Alter Behavior

Successful projects suggest a more thorough cataloging of how “vividness” nudges can help us delay gratification

Illustration of US dollars stacked Feature / Retirement Planning

Are Americans Really Annuity-Averse? Clear Thinking on Retirement Income

A monthly check, not just a pile of cash: Studies demystify the instruments too few are using

City street under construction in Dubai Research Brief / Nudges

Are You Nudging Me? Oh, OK, Go Ahead

Research shows individuals aren’t necessarily turned off when they know they are being coaxed toward a specific choice

A DraftKings Sportsbook, the official sports betting partner of the NFL Playoffs, advertisement on a OUTFRONT billboard in Kansas City, Kansas. Research Brief / Personal Finance

As States Permitted Online Sports Gambling, Citizens’ Personal Financial Health Suffered

Half a trillion dollars wagered — and counting

A glass jar filled with change and dollar bills with a white label that reads "tips." Research Brief / Consumer Behavior

As Tipping Booms Online, How Can Platforms Maximize Their Take?

A conundrum: When others’ tips are visible, users make larger tips to keep up. But they tip more often when tips aren’t displayed online

A pop-up that allows a user to turn off tracking on an app. Research Brief / Advertising

Barred From Stalking Us Across the Internet, Returns for Some Advertisers Plummet

Small businesses hit particularly hard when Apple made it easy to opt out of app tracking

Illustration of a consumer shopping for a car Research Brief / Consumer Behavior

Consumers Habitually Seek the Middle Ground

Unpublished research shows avoiding the extremes is a common approach marketers need to address

Female artist Feature / Time

Creative People Really Do Think Differently

Employing a distinct part of the brain, they’re better at imagining a distant future and seeing others’ points of view

Illustration of a woman holding both of her hands to her face Research Brief / Marketing

Did You Forget, or Never Know? How It Impacts Purchasing

A different decision tree is used when product information is forgotten, rather than just unknown

A person crossing the street and holding three Gucci shopping bags Research Brief / Nudges

Does Spending Mean You’re Wealthy?

To many, yes, and that belief leads to lower levels of financial well-being

Shelf of food and television Research Brief / Consumer Behavior

Examining the Difference Between Quality and Taste in Consumer Preferences

Laptops and TVs are based on quality, fast food and soda on taste; but some buyers defy these models, and it’s an opportunity for marketers

Wal-Mart giftcard Research Brief / Behavioral Decision Making

Gift Cards: When Versatility Is a Drawback

Cards redeemable only at a favorite store beat adding a second, less-loved retailer