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Sweepstakes are for the lucky, not every customer

A belief in luck was not sufficient to entice consumers to a lucky draw over other sales strategies, according to researchers Gerard Prendergast and Edmund Thompson. Consumers who personally feel lucky are more likely to participate in lucky draws.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

DVR fast-forwarding may not be fatal to TV advertising

Despite fast-forwarding, consumers can focus on a product logo or brand for just a fraction of a second, later influencing their preferences. Ads with central brand information can even have a positive effect on consumer attitude and choice behavior.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Comrades to consumers

A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research reveals how Chinese advertising co-opted communist symbols and messages to promote consumption. The research found that advertisers transformed socialist economic goals into consumer messages, contributing to China's rapid materialistic shift.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Personal information in E-mail marketing can backfire, study indicates

A recent study by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign found that personalized e-mails can have an unintended boomerang effect on businesses, making customers feel threatened or over-pitched. The study suggests that firms should use personalization to convey value rather than just trying to 'wow' prospective buyers.

Coke or Pepsi? Being distracted can make you more susceptible to ads

A study by Bryan Gibson found that people are more likely to choose a brand they associate with positive images when distracted. Even if participants couldn't remember the pairing, this effect occurred. The findings suggest implicit product attitudes play a significant role in impulse purchases.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Counting every thought: What consumers see when looking at ads

Researchers found that traditional thought-listing exercises can introduce bias and fail to capture specific cognitive responses. Instead, implicit measures of cognitive responses are likely to perform better when people are unable to access their thoughts directly.

Advertisers, neuroscientists trace source of emotions in brain

Researchers used fMRI scans to analyze how subjects' brains responded to TV ads, while also collecting their reported impressions. They found specific locations in the brain associated with familiar emotions like pleasure and excitement. The study aims to gauge human emotions directly through brain-scanning technology.

Young voters influenced by negative political ads, says study

A field study of registered voters aged 18-23 found that negative 'attack' ads provoke more voter migration than positive ads. The researchers also discovered that young voters are more likely to weaken their support for a candidate after viewing an ad attacking their preferred candidate.

Study finds simple recipe for ad success: Just add art

A University of Georgia study found that even brief exposure to art makes consumers evaluate products more positively, due to the 'art infusion effect'. The study revealed that art can increase perceived luxury and sophistication in everyday items, making it a powerful marketing tool.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Optimism isn't always healthy

A new study in Journal of Consumer Research found that optimistic thinking about future goals can lead to detrimental decisions, such as overindulging in unhealthy snacks. In contrast, focusing on commitment to a goal results in more consistent actions with its attainment.

Study explores distinction between 'different' and 'uncool'

Researchers Katherine White and Darren W. Dahl found that consumers actively avoid products associated with groups they want to distance themselves from, but not those of outgroups they don't belong to or aren't motivated to avoid. The study highlights the role of social pressure in shaping consumer choices.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

A company's good reputation can be a bad thing

A study by Michelle L. Roehm and Michael K. Brady found that high-equity brands initially face a disadvantage after failure, but may fare better when the issue is severe. This phenomenon can be attributed to a reduction in cognitive resources, allowing customers to focus on resolving the problem rather than re-evaluating the brand.

Got calcium? UWM researcher finds that food labels confuse consumers

A recent study found that current food labeling leads to under-consumption of calcium, a crucial nutrient for osteoporosis prevention. Researchers discovered that consumers struggle to translate %DV to milligrams, and even doctors often make incorrect calculations. However, providing simple guidelines can help individuals better naviga...

UGA study: Youth exposed to smokeless tobacco ads despite settlement

A recent University of Georgia study reveals that youth exposure to smokeless tobacco advertising has been significant and stable over the past decade, defying a 1998 settlement aimed at limiting such marketing. The study found that smokeless tobacco companies have largely avoided scrutiny, despite research showing its health risks.

When taking a long time is seen as a good thing

A study reveals consumers misjudge situations where longer duration isn't necessarily better, such as in exercise programs or lock-picking services. Consumers tend to believe a positive correlation between duration and quality, leading them to prefer longer sessions even when they're not more effective.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Grocery retailers need not fear 'cherry pickers'

A new study by University at Buffalo researchers found that extreme cherry pickers barely affected retailer profits, with only 1.2% of grocery store customers engaged in this behavior. These 'extreme' shoppers saved an average of 76% of potential savings through their shopping strategies.

Exposure to smoking-cessation product ads helps smokers quit

A new study from Cornell University found that exposure to smoking-cessation product ads increases the likelihood of quitting, even without purchasing products. The study suggests that 'spillover effects' from advertising may play a significant role in this phenomenon.

Threats to hope -- Desperation affects reasoning about product information

A new study by USC researchers found that when hopes are threatened, consumers turn to the marketplace for help, relying on favorable sources of information. This leads to 'motivated reasoning,' where consumers believe what they want to believe about products promising to help, even if the arguments aren't credible.

'Stealth advertising' sliding under radar into TV newscasts

Researchers found that 90% of monitored newscasts included at least one instance of stealth advertising, with an average of 2.5 individual slots per newscast. The study aimed to gauge the extent of material with commercializing effects on newscasts and viewers.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

'Less is more' online

A study by MU researchers found that people pay more attention to pictures selected from a small array of choices than from a large array. Participants who chose from six thumbnail pictures remembered the pictures with 99 percent accuracy, while those who chose from 24 only remembered with 89 percent accuracy.

Fame sells

A study by Erik Hunter and Per Davidsson found that celebrity involvement is key to a product's success compared to traditional endorsement marketing. Celebrity entrepreneurs add value to products, making them more appealing to consumers.

Candy cigarettes: Bringing the candy man home

A new study in Preventive Medicine reveals that candy cigarettes can favorably set the minds of some children towards becoming future cigarette smokers. Children who played with candy cigarettes were more likely to become adult smokers than those who never consumed them.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Annals of Internal Medicine Tip Sheet for May 15, 2007

Prescription data sale to marketing firms is linked to lower death rates among those with depression, a study of 1,226 older adults found. Fibromyalgia patients have a lower pain threshold than healthy individuals, according to a literature review.

Are you ready for professional-grade golf clubs?

A recent study explores how consumers' self-assessment of skill level influences their purchasing decisions for professional-grade golf clubs. Participants who had attempted a shorter putt perceived themselves as better golfers and chose higher-end equipment.

Banner ads work -- even if you don't notice them at all

A new study by Xiang Fang, Surendra Singh, and Rohini Ahluwalia reveals that repeated exposure to web-based banner ads can create a favorable attitude toward the ad despite minimal conscious attention. The researchers found that even if participants couldn

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

When cookies catch the cooties

A study by Duke University researchers found that products in clear packaging are vulnerable to negative properties being transferred from nearby products. This phenomenon, called 'product contagion,' can lead consumers to perceive affected products as less appealing.

Drug reps use friendship to influence doctors

A former drug rep reveals how sales forces use tactics like finely-tuned doses of friendship, free samples, and lavish gifts to manipulate physicians into selling their drugs. This manipulation can lead to increased prescribing of targeted medications, often at the expense of more effective alternatives.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Nothing to do with it

Research suggests that superfluous choices at early stages of purchase can lead to increased customer satisfaction, as consumers perceive greater deliberation and fluency in decision-making. This results in higher repeat business rates and brand loyalty.

MU newspaper study: Investing in the newsroom is good for business

Researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia found that investing in news quality directly impacts a newspaper's profitability. The study, which analyzed financial data from small- to medium-sized newspapers, revealed that spending more on news content leads to increased circulation and advertising revenues.

Happy endings aren't always best

A new study by Aparna A. Labroo and Suresh Ramanathan challenges the common assumption that happy endings in advertising are always better. Emotionally involved viewers actually prefer narratives with a negative-to-positive arc, as it allows them to cope with subsequent negativity.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Being around friends can impair your memory

A group setting exposes individuals to brand information, making them forget competitors and their own preferences. The study found a stronger effect on familiar brands, where the exposure to other group members' mentions amplifies the disruption.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Disclosure of advertising tactics reduces odds kids will drink

A weeklong intervention in schools reduced adolescents' inclination to drink by teaching them critical thinking skills and strategies to question alcohol ads. The program, led by Penn State's Marvin E. Goldberg, equipped students with persuasion knowledge and processed advertising messages.

Why would Cheerios sponsor a NASCAR race?

Researchers found that articulating the connection between a sponsor and event increases recall for incongruent sponsor-event pairings. The study suggests marketing managers can improve brand recognition by clearly explaining their relationship with an event.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Effect of direct-to-consumer drug ads unexpected

A study found that direct-to-consumer advertising of Vioxx increased the proportion of osteoarthritis patient visits for which a prescription was written for Vioxx. However, Celebrex ads were associated with higher rates of Vioxx prescribing, but not significant changes in Celebrex prescriptions.

Study shows good HR practices equal growth for small businesses

A new study by Cornell University reveals that small businesses adopting good HR practices experience significant growth, including 22% more revenue and 23% more profit. The study found that companies focusing on company culture, employee autonomy, and a family-like environment outperform those with stricter controls.

Online surveys are less effective than phone surveys

Research suggests that online surveys can yield different results compared to phone surveys, as typing and speaking activate distinct cognitive and motor systems. This can compromise the validity of attitude changes over time, making it crucial for researchers to match response modes.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Consumers don't pardon the intrusion of advertisements

Researchers Jing Wang and Bobby Calder found that ads can have both negative and positive effects on advertising. Ads appearing after a story has ended can actually enhance their effect. The study suggests that the timing of ad placement is crucial in determining its impact.