Articles tagged with Decision Making
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
A new study from the University of Washington reveals that people's brains have parallel learning systems for avoiding bad options and finding good ones. The research suggests that being able to 'turn down the volume' on irrelevant signals is critical to complex problem-solving.
The Wellcome Trust, a top funder of health research, holds significant investments in companies producing covid-19 treatments. This has raised questions about the charity's independence and conflicts of interest in pandemic response efforts. Experts weigh in on the implications of private charities' financial interests on global health.
Top managers in Fantasy Premier League showcase consistent skillful play, outperforming others with strategic decisions. The study's findings highlight the importance of skill over luck in fantasy football success.
A new study predicts that the Southeastern United States is at high risk of extreme drought, which could expose its water-supply infrastructure to stress beyond its design limit. The researchers used short-term climate modeling forecasts to highlight the urgency of drought risk and inform policymakers' actions.
A new framework allows designers to assess environmental impact early in the design process, reducing costs and increasing sustainability. By rapidly simulating tens of thousands of design iterations, architects can make more informed decisions and achieve greater efficiency.
Researchers have identified how Physarum polycephalum, a single-celled organism, stores and retrieves information about its environment through its network architecture. The slime mold weaves memories of food encounters into the architecture and uses stored information to make future decisions.
A recent study from Cornell University-led research highlights the risk of overvaluing prototypical leaders and undervaluing management skills. Participants preferred to hire a CEO with strong leadership qualities over those with more managerial expertise, despite the organization's need for management skills.
Researchers at Indiana University Kelley School of Business found that observing others make decisions can help reduce bias and improve decision-making. The study used computer games to decrease bias and showed that watching others solve problems helped observers learn about decision biases and improve their own.
New research suggests that observing others' decision-making can teach people to make better decisions themselves. The study, co-authored by Professor Irene Scopelliti, tested the effectiveness of a new debiasing training strategy and reports first evidence that watching others make decisions can improve our own decision making.
A new study in Frontiers in Communication demonstrates the impact of subtle messaging and cues on encouraging people to show socially desirable behaviors. Travelers were more likely to demonstrate environmentally conscious actions when given a 'nudge' towards the desirable action, whether framed positively or negatively.
The five winners are recognized for their accomplishments in chemistry, physics, and mathematics, as well as their commitment to leading and mentoring young scientists. The awards aim to support the careers of women researchers from developing countries and promote diversity in STEM fields.
A new study found that traffic noise and man-made sounds significantly impact the mating choices of female field crickets. In noisy environments, females are unable to detect differences in male quality, leading to a reduction in offspring viability.
A new model developed by a Washington University mathematician helps estimate the relative risk of different in-person activities, such as traveling or attending events. By breaking down individual factors and adding their contributions to relative risk, the model allows for informed decision-making about participation.
A study found that voters tend to view candidates with disabilities as capable, honest, and caring. The research suggests that increasing support for candidates with disabilities is key to addressing under-representation in politics.
Scientists are using brain recordings, flight analyses, and computational modeling to uncover the neural mechanisms behind insect decision-making. The study aims to inform autonomous robotics, computational neuroscience, and other fields by understanding how insects utilize movement to simplify information sampling.
Seventy experts argue that misunderstandings around attachment research are hampering its accurate implementation in family courts. The group outlines three principles from attachment research to guide decision-making, including the child's need for familiar caregivers and the benefits of networks of familiar relationships.
A study of potential jurors found they are more favorable towards physicians who accept standard AI medical recommendations. The study suggests the threat of legal liability may be smaller than commonly thought, influencing physician behavior and AI adoption.
Researchers developed an online risk-stratification tool to predict COVID-19 patients' likelihood of deterioration, using 11 measurements including age, oxygen levels, and laboratory tests. The '4C Deterioration Score' provides clinicians with a percentage risk score to support decision-making and potentially save lives.
In a recent study, researchers showed that the ability to use social information can depend on an individual's cognitive skills. Female collared flycatchers who mastered a learning task faster were more likely to copy the nest site choices of great and blue tits.
A study found that a traffic light system reduced clinical uncertainty by 70% and improved treatment decisions for doctors. The system, which uses green, yellow, and red lights to indicate risk levels, was shown to decrease pupil dilation and improve treatment outcomes.
A new study from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute found that irrelevant information and unavailable options often lead to poor choices. The researchers discovered that consumers carry cognitive costs when making decisions in environments with excess information.
A special issue of Information Polity explores the transparency challenges of using algorithms in government decision-making, highlighting potential benefits and drawbacks. Experts emphasize the need for regulations, organizational policies, and individual training to ensure transparent and responsible algorithm use.
A new study explores how human decision-making impacts engineered systems. Researchers found that people often overestimate their abilities and succumb to biases, leading to inefficiencies in system design.
Researchers predict soybean maturity date within two days using drone images and artificial intelligence, greatly reducing the need for boots on the ground. The developed model performs well independent of data collection frequency, accounting for variables such as image quality and location.
Researchers used fMRI to study effort-based decision-making and found two distinct regions of the ventral striatum associated with different phases of physical effort. The findings provide new insights into motivation, depression, schizophrenia, and PTSD.
Researchers found that individuals with gambling disorder focus on irrelevant information from previous gambles, rather than considering optimal probabilities and prize sizes. This impaired decision-making can lead to continued gambling despite mounting losses.
Research at Flinders University found that defensiveness increases when people feel stigmatised or rejected, but decreases when they feel valued and included. The study suggests that emphasizing respect and value for the person, even if you disagree with their views or actions, can reduce defensiveness.
Researchers found that people who move their mouse towards a safe option may be more risk-averse than they appear, while those who veer towards a risky option may be more open to risk. The study used mouse tracking to analyze participants' decision-making and found accurate predictions of future behavior.
A neural network has been developed to estimate uncertainty, allowing for safer outcomes in AI-assisted decision-making. The 'deep evidential regression' approach accelerates uncertainty estimation, enabling faster and more accurate confidence levels, reducing the risk of errors.
Researchers from Bar-Ilan University demonstrate the application of physical concepts in physics to solve key challenges in artificial intelligence. By adopting power-law scaling, they show that learning each example once is equivalent to learning examples repeatedly, enabling rapid decision-making and ultrafast learning.
A new Hastings Center project aims to develop an ethics framework for scientists to anticipate and prevent biases in health data models. The framework will consider data use, bias toward white populations, and equitable interventions to address health disparities.
Experts argue that the US gray wolf population has not fully recovered and that delisting is premature. The authors propose a framework for conservation of adaptive potential to enhance the effectiveness of species recovery.
Researchers found that higher health literacy is associated with higher rates of PSA screening, despite guidelines recommending against it. The study also identified a dynamic interplay between health literacy and shared decision-making.
Researchers found that spoiler reviews can increase box office revenue by providing potential customers with more information. The study used topic modeling to measure the effect of spoiler reviews on box office revenue, and found an inverted-U relationship between ratings and spoiler intensity.
Researchers recommend that healthcare providers discuss cannabis use with patients who have chronic pain and are using opioids. This conversation should be routine and judgment-free. The goal is to understand the patient's priorities and develop a plan based on evidence-based information.
Researchers discovered a specific brain region monitors food preferences as they change across thirsty and quenched states. By artificially manipulating neurons in the ventral pallidum, researchers were able to shift food choice preferences from a desired treat to a plain staple.
Research found machine learning and statistical techniques have similar performance at the population level but vary substantially in individual-level risk predictions. Machine learning models often ignore censoring, leading to biased predictions.
The proportion of caesarean section deliveries carried out under general anaesthesia approximately halved from 7.7% to 3.7% during the first wave of COVID-19, even among women with COVID-19. Regional anaesthesia rates remained high and lower conversion rates were found.
A global study of over 5,000 participants found that age and probability of survival are the top characteristics considered when deciding who should receive scarce COVID-19 treatment. The study showed that people worldwide gave these two characteristics the most weight in their decisions, explaining about 50% of their choices.
As people age, their motivation to learn declines. Researchers identified a brain circuit critical for maintaining this motivation and found that it can be boosted in older mice by reactivating the circuit, which was previously shown to suppress motivation.
Researchers studying COVID-19's impact on US college students aim to understand how the pandemic has disrupted their personal, educational, and economic plans. The study will examine decision-making styles, values orientation, and substance use/mental health patterns.
Thomas McAndrew's novel framework combines computational models with human understanding of social determinants of health to better forecast COVID-19 outbreaks. His research aims to inform public health decision-making and reduce morbidity and mortality, providing actionable predictions for policymakers and the general public.
A recent paper proposes three screening questions to help policymakers choose the best model for their problem, reducing confusion and increasing trust. This approach aims to bring clarity to the decision-making process, especially during times of crisis like Covid-19.
New research reveals that our brains favor experiences that end well, weighing the final moments more heavily than the rest of the experience. This 'happy ending effect' can lead to bad decisions when choosing whether to repeat an experience.
Research finds that focusing on the ending of an experience can lead to undervaluing positive experiences that end poorly. The brain's neural representation of a pleasant ending can overpower information from the amygdala, resulting in poor decision-making.
Assistant professor of civil engineering Mohsen Shahandashti is leading a study to identify challenges in workforce decision-making processes for transportation construction industries during the pandemic. The goal is to learn how managers make decisions balancing public health and worker safety.
LGBTQ+ campus centers are essential resources for LGBTQ+ students, providing counseling, support and student sense of belonging. Research shows that these centers correlate with lower levels of discrimination, less distress and increased self-acceptance among LGBTQ+ students.
A study found that young adults tend to consider both risks and benefits in their sexual behavior, making consistent and thoughtful decisions. The research suggests that even those prone to heuristic decision-making become rational when faced with similar choices framed as sexual decisions.
Researchers recorded real-time changes in dopamine and serotonin levels in patients' brains during tasks, revealing that serotonin levels increased with uncertainty and decreased with confidence. The study provides insight into how dopamine and serotonin regulate perception, decision-making, and cognition, potentially leading to improv...
Researchers identified nerve cells in the brain whose activity indicates decision-making confidence. The frequency of electrical pulses in these neurons increased with increasing decision confidence.
The Global Pandemic App Watch tracks the uptake of COVID-19 contact-tracing and exposure-notification apps worldwide. The website offers maps and country pages detailing app adoption, voluntariness, and privacy concerns, shedding light on the socio-ethical dimensions of these technologies.
Researchers found that officers can cut their chance of making misdiagnosis shooting errors by more than half when using a low ready position. The study, published in Police Quarterly, suggests that this simple adjustment could lead to fewer perception shootings and improved safety.
A global analysis found that men predominate in over 85% of expert groups and task forces, with women making up just 11.5%. This 'disturbingly accepted pattern' of health governance underpins ineffective responses and costs lives. To combat this, experts advocate for truly representative membership, open communication, and inclusive da...
Researchers found that street ETRs are more informative and effective in predicting future tax outcomes than GAAP-based ETRs. Street ETRs, which adjust for unusual or infrequent items, improved the decision-making process for investors.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers found that methamphetamine use increases the risk of casual sex without a condom, particularly among those with higher sexual desire. The study demonstrated that intense sexual arousal leads to rapid shift in preference for using a condom.
A recent study shows that most older women with breast cancer can safely undergo surgery, reducing the gap in survival rates between older and younger women. The research found that surgery is generally well-tolerated and offers slightly lower survival rates for those who don't have it.
A team of researchers developed a cooperative adaptive cruise control model that uses streaming data to predict the driving states of preceding vehicles, reducing congestion and traffic accidents. The model can be tested using actual connected, autonomous vehicles and could create a safer future for everyone sharing the road.
A team of Penn State researchers suggests that simpler models may be a better choice for determining some climate risk due to their ability to better sample uncertainties. This approach can help decision-makers quantify risks more effectively, even if it means sacrificing some detail in the model.
A recent study from the University of South Australia found that Australian boards struggle with gender diversity, resulting in unbalanced decision-making. The research highlights the importance of promoting women's participation on boards to effectively address corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
Researchers found that humans are more willing to employ deceptive negotiating techniques when using virtual agents, particularly those with prior experience or negative negotiation experiences. The study suggests that people may feel more comfortable relying on virtual agents to act deceptively, as they perceive it as less personal.