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Black-oriented films can be highly profitable when marketed to all audiences, study finds

A study published in the Journal of Advertising Research found that both Black and White teens perceive Black-oriented media as being targeted towards them, suggesting the potential for increased profitability when marketed to a broader audience. The study surveyed 1,900 adolescents ages 14-17 about their movie preferences.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Advertising Research·DateApr 27, 2018

In the surcharge blame game, companies tend to finish last

A study found that consumers tend to blame companies for imposing internal and external surcharges, even if the charges were imposed by an outside agency. The characteristics of the surcharge can shift blame, with customers being more likely to blame the firm if it's something internal.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Service Research·DateApr 19, 2018

Exposed: The path of ransomware payments

Researchers tracked ransomware payments over two years to identify patterns and key findings. South Koreans are disproportionately impacted, with $2.5 million of ransomware payments made within the country. The study also found that most ransomware operators use a Russian Bitcoin exchange, BTC-E, to convert bitcoin to fiat currencies.

Music streaming sites benefit indie singers at the expense of top 100 artists

A new study reveals that Spotify significantly increases exposure and access to lesser-known indie artists while decreasing consumption of top 100 artists. The study monitored the music consumption habits of over 5,000 users for 2.5 years, finding a 62% increase in unique artists listened to within two weeks of joining Spotify.

Who's judging you based on brand choices?

A study published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology found that individuals with a flexible mindset are less inclined to make assumptions about someone's character based on brand choice. In contrast, those with a fixed mindset tend to believe that behavior is consistent over time and across situations.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateSep 29, 2017

Managers often fail to use or understand their own data on customer satisfaction

A recent study found that managers in various industries overestimate customer satisfaction, relying on unrealistic expectations for marketing decisions. This leads to underinvestment in quality improvements and a failure to address marketplace issues effectively. The study suggests that existing customer feedback systems are not perfo...

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of the Academy of Marketing Science·DateJul 26, 2017

Scientists find clever way to help you de-clutter your home

Researchers found that taking a photo of sentimental items before donating them increases the likelihood of getting rid of clutter. The study suggests this strategy helps people keep memories alive while parting with possessions, benefiting nonprofits and recipients. Participants were more willing to donate items that still held sentim...

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateJun 26, 2017

How organizations can boost charitable giving

A new study from the University at Buffalo School of Management found that setting a low suggested donation amount increases the total number of donations, while a high default amount increases the average amount donors give. Nonprofit directors can use this information to tailor their messaging and potentially raise more money.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateDec 13, 2016

Beat the stock market by satisfying customers

Researchers from Michigan State University found that creating a stock portfolio based on customer satisfaction data achieves cumulative returns of 518 percent. This surpasses the 31 percent increase for the S&P 500 Index in the same time period, with the customer satisfaction portfolio outperforming the benchmark in 14 out of 15 years.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateSep 6, 2016

A recipe for friendship: Similar food

A study published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology found that eating the same food as a companion increases sense of closeness and trust. This strategy can be applied to various social situations, such as first dates or business negotiations, and may even influence marketing effectiveness.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateJul 8, 2016

Study: Police more likely than others to say they are blind to racial differences

A new study reveals that police recruits and experienced officers are more likely to subscribe to colorblind racial beliefs, which can lead to problematic interactions with racial minorities. The research highlights the need for training programs that address police racial attitudes and social identities.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalRace and Social Problems·DateMay 16, 2016