Topic: Behavioral Decision Making
How to Encourage the Discriminated-Against to Band Together
Membership in a stigmatized group doesn’t predispose acceptance of other stigmatized groups
How People Gather Information — or Don’t — to Make Decisions
Personal beliefs, especially among the less educated, often outweigh actual data
Narrowing a Theory on Why Judges Get Tough before Elections
They do, but only when facing a competitive election contest
Good Information Alone Won’t Drive Financial Well-Being
A review of academic research finds the path to saving more and spending less often involves emotional prompts
Abusing a Co-Worker? Watch Your Back
Analysis of 250 studies finds the most common response to negative workplace behavior is an eye for an eye
People Don’t Mind Government Nudges, but Prefer Them Free of Politics
When an unloved cause or political adversary is attached to a nudge, the method itself becomes suspect
How Will You Spend Your IPO Windfall?
“Uh, I already bought a house”: Tech workers spend ahead of actual stock sales
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
The Malleability of Who Falls for Conspiracy Theories
It’s not just sheep — even go-getters can be susceptible when they feel less in control
Joint Bank Accounts Make for Happier Couples
Those who keep finances separate are likelier to split up, be less satisfied with their relationship
Consumers Habitually Seek the Middle Ground
Unpublished research shows avoiding the extremes is a common approach marketers need to address
The Surprising Power of Giving Up Choice Control
Abdicating a decision to someone else is viewed as an act of generosity that is handsomely rewarded
When Delayed Gratification Backfires
A self-imposed quest for a perfect time to enjoy an indulgence often means missing out on actually having a good experience
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
Helping People Make Wise Decisions for Retirement Income
Nudges, long aimed at saving behavior, are needed for people converting a nest egg into income
Do People Donate Money to Signal Their Intelligence?
Research suggests such a connection when donations are publicized