Add BrightSurf on Google Email

What if we paid countries to protect biodiversity?

A team of international researchers has developed a financial mechanism to support the protection of the world's natural heritage. The socio-ecological design option proved most efficient in incentivizing additional conservation action, particularly for countries lacking in global conservation goals.

SourceLund University·JournalConservation Letters·DateAug 30, 2019

Why money cannot 'buy' housework

A new study by Lancaster University finds that household finances and control of financial decisions are linked to the time spent on routine housework, with women doing most of it. Despite earning more, women have limited control over their own earnings and household finances, leading to a glass ceiling in the labour market.

SourceLancaster University·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateJun 24, 2019

Insecurities may drive people to save more

A study published by the American Psychological Association found that people who feel threatened to their positive self-image are more likely to save money. The researchers conducted a series of experiments involving over 2,400 participants and found that those with lower social connections also reported saving less.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateApr 8, 2019

When cash is your enemy

A study by Rod Duclos and Mansur Khamitov found that individuals who receive cash are more likely to opt for immediate gratification, leading to lower savings rates. Activating a mindset focused on long-term goals can increase patience and tolerance for parting with cash.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateMar 29, 2019

Why does bribery work?

A Carnegie Mellon University study found that bribery works because people are motivated by greed, not the desire to reciprocate. When incentives are contingent on choices, bribes distort judgment more. However, when bribes don't influence outcomes, their effectiveness is reduced.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalJournal of the European Economic Association·DateFeb 12, 2019

Cutting health care costs

A new Harvard University study reveals that reducing spending on cardiovascular disease has slowed healthcare cost growth among the elderly population. The research found that investments in preventative care can produce significant savings, with nearly half of the reduction attributed to cardiovascular health.

SourceHarvard University·JournalHealth Affairs·DateFeb 4, 2019

A subtle strategy to spend more responsibly

Researchers discovered that couples who pool their finances favor utilitarian purchases that are easier to justify. Individuals using joint bank accounts spent significantly less on hedonic purchases and more on utilitarian products than those spending from separate accounts. This strategy may help people spend money more responsibly.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateDec 20, 2018

Why relationships -- not money -- are the key to improving schools

A study by Ohio State University found that strong relationships between teachers, parents, and students have a significant impact on improving student learning. Social capital, the network of relationships promoting academic achievement, had a three to five times larger effect than financial capital on reading and math scores.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Education for Students Placed at Risk (JESPAR)·DateOct 25, 2018

Selfish people have fewer children and earn less money

A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that unselfish individuals have more children and higher salaries than their selfish counterparts. The researchers examined data from four major studies on Americans and Europeans, concluding that generosity is associated with greater economic success.

SourceStockholm University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateOct 17, 2018

In surveys, people say they'll pay twice what they're actually willing to spend

Researchers at Ohio State University found a significant gap between what people report they're willing to spend and what they actually spend in experiments. Hypothetical bias can lead to inaccurate decision-making in fields like economics, environmental conservation, and business. Techniques like cheap talk, certainty follow-up, and c...

SourceOhio State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Agricultural Economics·DateJun 27, 2018

Study: Tax havens and limited regulation increase risk for shareholders

A new study by North Carolina State University researchers found that companies incorporated in tax haven countries with weak governance are more likely to engage in practices benefiting executives at the cost of their shareholders. These companies paid an average of 83% less in dividends to shareholders, compared to those in well-regu...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalContemporary Accounting Research·DateJun 19, 2018

When consumers don't want to talk about what they bought

A study by Ohio State University found that when consumers feel financially constrained, they are less likely to discuss their purchases with others. This holds true regardless of income level or type of purchase. Researchers suggest this may be because discussing purchases reinforces negative feelings about one's financial situation.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJun 18, 2018

Goal conflict linked to psychological distress

Research at the University of Exeter and Edith Cowan University found that goal conflict and ambivalence are associated with symptoms of anxiety and depression. The study involved over 200 young adults aged 18-35, who reported experiencing psychological distress due to conflicting goals.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateMay 25, 2018

When health care hurts: High-deductible plans raise financial risk

A new study by the University of Southern California finds that high-deductible health plans increase the risk of financial trouble and out-of-pocket spending for low-income and chronically ill consumers, who are more likely to face excessive financial burden or financial disaster. The study shows that enrollment in high-deductible pla...

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateApr 5, 2018

Partner's finances impact well-being, even in young love

Research finds that young adults' own financial behaviors have the most impact on their well-being, followed by their romantic partners' behaviors. Parents' financial expectations had the least impact, but still influence young adults' objective financial knowledge. The study suggests that even in non-marital relationships, a partner's...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Family and Economic Issues·DateApr 3, 2018

Removing fossil fuel subsidies will not reduce CO2 emissions as much as hoped

New research reveals that removing fossil fuel subsidies will only slightly slow the growth of CO2 emissions, with smaller effects in developing economies. The largest emissions savings would come from oil and gas exporting countries, but removal could have a detrimental impact on poor households, who may struggle to afford modern fuels.