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Teens are not always irrational

A new Duke University study reveals that adolescents aged 10 to 16 can be more analytical in their economic choices than slightly older young adults. Researchers found that teens carefully weigh decisions, using cost-benefit analysis skills, while young adults rely on simple rules.

SourceDuke University·JournalCognitive Development·DateSep 8, 2015

Traffic light food labels strengthen self-control

Researchers at the University of Bonn found that traffic light labels are more effective in helping consumers resist high-calorie foods than traditional nutrition labels. The study participants were willing to pay significantly more for healthy products with green labels and less for unhealthy products with red labels.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalObesity·DateMar 9, 2015

Focusing on the success of others can make us selfish

A new study published in PNAS found that people who focus on the success of their peers are more likely to act selfishly in group decisions. This is because success-oriented individuals prioritize information about which behavior pays off best, leading to a greater likelihood of selfish actions.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 16, 2015

Choosing a cell phone, prescription drug plan or new car? Read this first

Researchers found that dividing options into smaller piles and choosing the best option from each pile produced the best outcomes. In contrast, considering all options together led to poor decisions due to choice overload. The sequential tournament approach was the most effective but also the least liked by study subjects.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalThe Review of Economics and Statistics·DateFeb 3, 2015

Crude conspiracy theories could be right

A new study has found that oil interests are a primary motivator for third-party countries to intervene in civil wars, challenging common conspiracy theory explanations. The research analyzed data from over 69 countries and revealed that countries with significant oil reserves were more likely to be targeted by foreign intervention.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalJournal of Conflict Resolution·DateJan 27, 2015

Glass houses: Your personality helps predict your real estate choices

A new study by Dr. Danny Ben-Shahar and Roni Golan found a correlation between personality traits and individual real estate choices, with neurotic individuals opting for homeownership over renting. The research also showed that local 'personality types' in America are associated with statewide real estate trends.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics·DateDec 3, 2014

Seniors draw on extra brainpower for shopping

A new Duke University study finds that older adults recruit an additional brain area to remember competing consumer products and choose the better one. The study suggests that this brain activity, involving the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, allows them to perform at a higher level.

Datasets used by policymakers, scientists for public health analyses inconsistent

Researchers found significant differences between two commercially available datasets used to analyze the relationship between neighborhood socioeconomic characteristics and food and alcohol establishments. The study highlights the need for accurate data to support policy decisions on issues like incentives for grocery stores in econom...

INFORMS study: Customer experience matters more when economy is doing better, not worse

A new INFORMS study finds that customer experience plays a crucial role in influencing purchase decisions during good economic times. The researchers discovered that customers focus on past experiences and satisfaction levels when the economy is strong, leading to increased revenue gains for firms that improve customer experience.

Predicting fracking policy

A new study presents a formal model to predict how countries will regulate hydraulic fracturing, helping companies assess risks and benefits. The model uses multi-criteria decision analysis to aggregate various inputs into a ranked list of policy alternatives.

SourceSpringer Science+Business Media·JournalEnvironmental Sciences Europe·DateAug 14, 2014

A plan to share the carbon budget burden

A four-step compromise is proposed to share the burden of carbon reductions, reducing actors involved in initial efforts, switching to consumption-based carbon accounting, redistributing the burden based on responsibility and capability, and bringing changes back to the larger U.N. group for inclusive emissions management

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJun 10, 2014

Neurofinance study confirms that financial decisions are made on an emotional basis

A neurofinance study confirms that financial decisions are influenced by emotions and previous experiences, leading to increased risk-taking behavior after losses. The study used operational magnetic resonance imaging to analyze brain activity during risk-taking choices, revealing a link between emotional reactions and risk acceptance.

SourceAalto University·JournalJournal of Economic Behavior & Organization·DateApr 10, 2014

Oxytocin, the 'love' hormone, promotes group lying, according to Ben-Gurion U. researchers

A study by researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that oxytocin causes participants to lie more to benefit their groups and do so quickly without expectation of reciprocal dishonesty. This raises questions about the morality of lying, even when it benefits those close to us.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 1, 2014

The power of packaging in consumer choices

A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that colorful or noticeable food packages predispose people to look and choose certain options. Visual attractiveness influences where people look, with a ratio of 1:3 compared to consumer preferences, and plays a significant role in decision-making.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 2014