Add BrightSurf on Google Email

What's holding black entrepreneurs back?

African-Americans face significant obstacles to entrepreneurship due to centuries-old racial disadvantages, including limited access to resources and financial services. The majority of black-owned businesses are smaller, have fewer employees, and generate less revenue compared to their white counterparts.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEthnic and Racial Studies·DateMar 31, 2016

Valuing your time more than money is linked to happiness

New research published by the Society for Personality and Social Psychology found an almost even split between people who value their time or money, with prioritizing time associated with greater happiness. The study, which included over 4,600 participants, also found that older people were more likely to prioritize their time.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJan 7, 2016

Breaking bread with colleagues boosts productivity

A recent study by Cornell University found that firefighter platoons who eat meals together have better group job performance compared to those who dine solo. This phenomenon is attributed to the social bonding and intimacy that comes with sharing meals, which spills over into improved work performance.

SourceCornell University·JournalHuman Performance·DateDec 7, 2015

Who's the 'enviest' of them all?

A recent study by UC San Diego researchers found that young adults experience envy more frequently than older adults, particularly in regards to physical appearance and academic success. The study also revealed that men and women tend to envy someone of the same age group, with younger participants reporting envy over looks and romance.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalBasic and Applied Social Psychology·DateNov 4, 2015

Researchers' model helps predict consumer spending

Researchers developed a new methodology to predict consumer spending at competitors, using share-of-wallet as a key metric. The model reveals segments of customers, including those influenced by income and habit, allowing businesses to target high-potential customers and optimize cross-selling strategies.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalInternational Journal of Research in Marketing·DateSep 25, 2015

Study uncovers communication strategies couples can use to address financial uncertainty

Research from North Carolina State University reveals that couples can manage financial uncertainty by seeking information, communicating effectively with their partner, and adapting to the situation. The study identifies four barriers to successful management: information barriers, communication barriers, time management barriers, and...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Applied Communication Research·DateAug 3, 2015

Prescription drug benefit doesn't save money for Medicare

Researchers from Northeastern University conclude that Medicare Part D did not save the program any money overall. Despite increased access to prescription drugs, there was no significant decrease in emergency room visits, hospital stays, or healthcare spending. The study's findings challenge the Congressional Budget Office's methodolo...

SourceNortheastern University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 16, 2015

The food-waste paradox

A study from Cornell Food & Brand Lab reveals that buying too much food, preparing in abundance, and improper storage lead to significant household food waste. Implementing efficient meal planning strategies and proper food storage techniques can significantly reduce waste and save money.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalInternational Journal of Consumer Studies·DateJun 9, 2015

Seven in 10 take early pension payout

A Michigan State University study found that 71% of Croatian retirees chose smaller, earlier pension payouts when given the option, with those who were poor or distrusted the government more likely to make this choice. The study provides crucial insight into individuals' preferences and reasoning when early payouts may be offered

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Financial Economics·DateMay 12, 2015

Customers will pay more today if there's payback later, shows equal billing study

A study of equal billing plans found that customers prefer to pay a little more each month to ensure a refund at the end of the term. This irrational attitude leads to increased customer loyalty and satisfaction. Companies can benefit from this by setting up their equal billing plans to issue refunds at the end of the term.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalInternational Journal of Research in Marketing·DateMay 6, 2015

Buyers with a trade-in get a raw deal

New research from USC Marshall School of Business shows that consumers who trade in their used cars pay an average of $990 more than those without a trade-in. Dealers infer a higher willingness to pay and charge higher prices based on the characteristics of the trade-in vehicle.

SourceUSC Marshall School of Business·JournalJournal of Industrial Economics·DateApr 30, 2015

What is more rewarding: A soccer goal or prize money?

A study by researchers at the University of Bonn found that brain activity in soccer players is similar when scoring a goal or winning money. Players with more egotistical personalities showed increased activity in learning and reflection regions when goals were scored after passing, not after taking the shot.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 15, 2015

Lifting families out of poverty -- with dignity

A new study by Jennifer Sykes and colleagues found that the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program bolsters recipients' self-respect by emphasizing their role as working parents and providers. The EITC has lifted approximately 7 million people out of poverty every year, about half of those children.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateApr 1, 2015

Negotiating: Careful choice of words increases chances of success

A recent study by Leuphana University and Saarland University found that using wording that emphasizes the benefits of a proposal can lead to better outcomes. Researchers investigated this effect in eight studies involving over 650 subjects and discovered that parties who focus on their own gains are less willing to make concessions. B...

SourceLeuphana Universität Lüneburg·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateApr 1, 2015

Location, location, location: Bike-sharing systems need revamp to attract more riders

A new study by University of Chicago Booth School of Business researchers found that redesigning bike networks can increase ridership by up to 29.4% and reduce the distance commuters need to walk to reach stations. By taking commuter preferences into account, cities can optimize their bike-share systems to attract more users.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Booth School of Business·JournalManagement Science·DateMar 18, 2015

Study finds Facebook popularity hampers fundraising efforts

Research by an economist at the University of Warwick found a negative correlation between Facebook connections and charitable donations. People with fewer friends on Facebook raised more money for charity than those with lots of connections. Additionally, individuals who complete tougher fundraising activities generate more cash.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalInternational Economic Review·DateDec 23, 2014

Feeling -- not being -- wealthy drives opposition to wealth redistribution

New research published in Psychological Science finds that people's subjective feelings of wealth or poverty motivate their attitudes toward redistributive policies. Feeling relatively wealthy leads participants to oppose redistribution and view others as biased by self-interest. This study suggests a mechanism by which inequality may ...

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 25, 2014