Research on how people make decisions. Covers workplace food choices, medication risk trade-offs, and treatment selection in mental health.
A new study found that surgeons' recommendations against contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) did not increase the likelihood of patients seeking a second opinion or receiving surgery from a different surgeon. In fact, many patients were satisfied with their treatment despite no discussion about CPM. The study surveyed 1,140 pat...
A survey of over 2,000 people in the UK and USA found that one in six support life-sustaining interventions, while more than twice as many prefer measures to enable peaceful death. The study highlights challenges faced by healthcare providers and legislators regarding end-of-life care.
The US Air Force and Walt Disney Company have been recognized for their pioneering use of operations research (O.R.) to improve decision-making processes. The organizations have effectively integrated O.R. into their daily operations, resulting in enhanced efficiency, effectiveness, and innovation.
Researchers found that democratic decision-making processes and majority endorsement within offender groups influence victims' perception of sincerity and conciliatory response. The study suggests that governments and political leaders should build consensus within their group about the appropriateness of an apology to the victim group.
A new study reveals that both medical terminology and prior experience can impact surrogates' feelings after making life-prolonging treatment decisions. Surrogates who received 'Allow Natural Death' terminology perceived their decision as good and were more likely to sign the document.
The study highlights the importance of civil society organizations in Laos' REDD+ and FLEGT programs, emphasizing their potential to bring valuable local insight and enhance fairness and transparency. However, limitations pose a challenge, including a restricted political system that hinders independent civic society.
A new study found that well-informed patients who decide on their own orthopaedic treatment have better outcomes and higher patient satisfaction. Patients with a good understanding of their condition are more likely to make informed, patient-centered decisions and experience improved quality of life.
A group of researchers recommends increased transparency at the FDA, including disclosure of regulatory information, analysis, and study data. This would enhance understanding of existing therapies, pharmaceutical pipelines, and innovative product development.
Eight student teams from around the world competed in the inaugural INFORMS O.R. and Analytics Student Team Competition, tasked with solving a challenging problem using an O.R. and analytics approach. The finalists were selected based on their use of the full analytics process, from framing the problem to quantitative analysis.
DeepStack, a computer program developed by the University of Alberta's Computer Poker Research Group, has defeated professional poker players in heads-up no-limit Texas hold'em poker. The program uses a technique called continual re-solving to determine the correct strategy for each situation, allowing it to play at human speed.
Researchers found that 83.7% of colic surgery patients returned to their previous activity level, with 78.5% regaining pre-surgical performance. Owners were highly satisfied with veterinary care (96.3%) and recovery (98.5%).
A new study by UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business found that overnight market activity provides insight into investor sentiment at the firm level. Short-term price persistence was observed, with high and low overnight returns outperforming over the long term.
A new UT Dallas study derived optimal policies and data-driven techniques for firms to learn about demand and adjust capacity. The study's main finding is that production managers need to maintain a careful balance between observing the demand and changing the capacity.
A recent study by University of Vermont researchers reveals that consulting stakeholders is crucial for environmental scholars to impact policy. The study found that stakeholder engagement improves policymakers' perception of scientific knowledge and makes research more legitimate.
Shari Diamond, a renowned expert on jury process and legal decision-making, will discuss the importance of involving scientists in the legal system. Her presentation highlights insights from an American Academy of Arts and Sciences study that examines the barriers to effective engagement between science and law.
A study published in the Journal of Patient Safety found that video testimonials improve physicians' agreement on patients' treatment choices. The addition of a video testimonial led to statistically significant changes in responses, with doctors more likely to choose full aggressive treatment in five scenarios.
A study from University of British Columbia found that international students' concepts of 'home' significantly impact their post-graduation plans. Four ways of thinking about home were identified: host, ancestral, cosmopolitan, and nebulous. Students who thought of their host home as 'home' planned to stay, while those who saw it as a...
Research shows that people who focus on finding the best option (maximizers) may experience frustration and regret when re-evaluating their choices. Maximizing can lead to depression, lower life satisfaction, and procrastination. On the other hand, a strategic approach to decision-making can lead to satisfying outcomes.
A new model, aggregate-label learning, proposes that neurons serve as reliable clue detectors to their host by matching spike output to the magnitude of a cue. This approach outperforms existing models in processing continuous streams of sensory information.
Researchers at Texas A&M AgriLife Research have found that viruses make decisions about their actions in host bacteria, similar to human decision-making. The study's findings could lead to the development of more effective phage therapy for treating bacterial diseases.
Researchers discovered two distinct neural networks controlling the balance between speed and accuracy when making decisions. The subthalamic nucleus region plays a key role in this process, with one network requiring more information for accurate decisions and another lowering the threshold for quick choices.
A University of Pittsburgh researcher used in-game data from the past 7 NFL seasons to predict the winner of Super Bowl 51 and analyze coaching decisions. The analysis found key factors such as turnover differential and penalty yardage correlate with winning probability, giving the Atlanta Falcons a 54% chance of prevailing.
Researchers found that male fruit flies consistently choose the female mate that would produce the most offspring, even when impaired senses were removed. The cognitive process of making rational choices is a unique human trait, but this study provides evidence that fruit flies can also make such decisions.
The Hastings Center Report explores the disagreement between physicians and surrogates on cardiopulmonary resuscitation and palliative sedation. The articles examine policy adopted by Massachusetts General Hospital to support doctors who judged CPR would not benefit a patient, and discuss limitations of surrogate decision-making author...
A team of researchers from the University of Washington found that male fruit flies exhibit transitive decision-making when selecting a mate, processing information from visual and chemical cues. The study showed that males prioritize females with higher reproductive capacity, suggesting a rational choice mechanism.
Researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering introduced an interactive design for financial products to help investors make smarter investment choices. The interactive labels improved understanding and decision-making among both novice and expert investors.
The Gerontological Society of America has released a new publication to help healthcare professionals overcome common heuristics and cognitive biases that can lead to poor decision making. Awareness of these biases is key to making informed decisions, according to the report.
A new study published in the Journal of Urology found that men with prostate cancer who experience high levels of emotional distress are more likely to choose aggressive treatment options, such as surgery and radiation therapy. The researchers suggest that providing clearer information about prognosis and strategies for dealing with an...
A review of NHS electronic record implementation found limited progress made in the past 25 years, with challenges including confusion over policy funding and complex IT system integration. The study calls for more guidance on IT implementation to help hospitals make informed decisions about digitizing patient records.
The American College of Cardiology has published a new document to manage patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation who need surgery. The guideline provides guidance on temporarily stopping anticoagulation medications, choosing alternative treatments, and restarting blood thinners after surgery.
A study found that patients with kidney failure were less likely to have advance directives than those with other serious illnesses, but those who did had better end-of-life care. The presence of treatment-limiting directives and surrogate decision makers reduced hospitalizations, intensive procedures, and inpatient deaths.
A study found that surgeons' recommendations play a crucial role in determining the rate of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) in breast cancer patients. Among patients without clinical indications, CPM use was substantial when patients did not receive a recommendation against it, but low when they did.
Recent sea level rise estimates suggest a two-meter increase by 2100, posing challenges for policymakers and scientists. The Princeton-PSU team recommends combining research priorities with policy needs to make informed decisions.
A new Yale-led study finds that changes in brain anatomy, specifically the posterior parietal cortex, are more closely related to risk avoidance in older adults than aging itself. The research team used MRI scans and risk-choice experiments to analyze the phenomenon.
Mindful consumption training can lead to improved financial well-being, reduced materialism and enhanced quality time with family. The study also highlights its benefits for environmental and societal well-being.
A new study by the University of Colorado Boulder suggests that empowering local governments with forestry decisions can significantly reduce deforestation. By engaging local users in the decision-making process, policymakers can develop more effective and sustainable forest governance strategies.
Researchers and patient advocates emphasize the importance of new care models in combating lung cancer. Dr. Laurie Gaspar discusses the benefits of shared decision-making and Patient Decision Aids, while Dr. Raymond Osarogiagbon highlights the effectiveness of Center of Excellence programs in underserved areas.
The American Geriatrics Society has released new guidance on care and decision-making for 'unbefriended' older adults. The recommendations aim to support vulnerable individuals while protecting others from becoming unbefriended as they age.
A recent study from Indiana University highlights the challenges of ensuring medical care is consistent with patient preferences. The authors propose practical recommendations to overcome barriers, including documenting specific treatment preferences and reviewing patient records regularly.
Researchers found that 78% of consumers admit comparing the upgrade to the status quo is necessary, but fail to do so in decision-making. When explicitly reminded to compare features, the likelihood of upgrading decreases. The study suggests overcoming comparison neglect requires accurate marketing and awareness.
Researchers at UT Austin have developed a new brain mapping technique to study how people update their knowledge and form new ideas. The study found that the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex work together to update conceptual knowledge, providing insight into the mechanics of learning.
A new survey tool has been developed by Indiana University and Regenstrief Institute to measure the communication experiences of family members of hospitalized patients. The Family Inpatient Communication Survey focuses on two dimensions of communication: conveyance of information and emotional support.
Research at Ohio State University found that powerful individuals become more indecisive when torn between two equally good or bad choices, taking longer to make a decision. This effect is particularly pronounced for those who feel powerful and ambivalent about an issue.
A Harvard Medical School study has found that mice navigate mazes by weighing all available cues before making a decision, suggesting a more complex process than previously thought. The researchers used virtual-reality maze experiments and injected mice with a virus to visualize neuronal activity in real-time.
Researchers developed an AI method to predict ECtHR outcomes by analyzing case text with a machine learning algorithm. The method identified non-legal facts as key determinants of judgements, supporting previous findings on high-level court decision-making processes.
A Rochester Institute of Technology researcher is developing a comprehensive model for affordable vaccines in low-income countries through a three-year grant. The model aims to simulate a coordinated vaccine market that balances affordability with sustainability and profit.
A recent study found that employees who are a poor cultural fit can remain engaged and productive through job crafting and enhanced leisure activities. Job crafting allows workers to modify their duties to better match personal abilities, while leisure activities can improve job satisfaction and performance.
A new IU study found that workers in high-stress jobs with little control over their workflow are more likely to die younger or have poorer health than those with more flexibility and discretion. The researchers suggest restructuring some jobs to provide employees with more say about how the work gets done.
Research at King's College London reveals that individuals with autism are more likely to make rational decisions by following their heads rather than their hearts. This is due to impaired emotional awareness and reduced susceptibility to the Framing Effect.
Research by University of Basel found that older people do not necessarily take fewer risks than younger people, but rather their risk-taking behavior depends on the type and complexity of tasks. The study used both self-report and behavioral measures to investigate age-related changes in risk-taking propensity.
A study by NIST researchers found that security fatigue leads users to adopt risky computing behavior, causing costs to businesses. The study defines security fatigue as weariness or reluctance to deal with computer security.
A recent study found that people can only correctly identify half of phishing emails, despite being cautious. Participants were more likely to be overconfident and fall for attacks if they perceived negative consequences.
Experimental trials reveal that two-thirds of test persons are insensitive to group size when making decisions. This insensitivity can lead to enormous social costs as politicians and medical practitioners make decisions that benefit a few at the expense of large groups.
A recent study of science PhDs found that nearly two-thirds chose employment outside academic science, with reasons including autonomy, leadership roles, and high salaries. The researchers suggest that formal support networks could have provided an opportunity for URM PhDs to stay in faculty career paths
The University of Missouri has been awarded a five-year, $12 million contract to deliver a comprehensive data science education program for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA). The program will provide analytical training for NGA workforce and potentially other members of the U.S. Intelligence Community.
A study led by Tufts University researchers found that older dialysis patients who felt voiceless in the decision-making process reported low satisfaction with treatment. Patients who actively engaged in decision-making were more satisfied with their outcomes.
Researchers combined high-performance computing with public policy analysis to stress-test several water management strategies in near real time. The 'deliberation-with-analysis' method was used, which provides detailed options but can be slow, and was customized using supercomputer simulations to speed up decision-making.
Climate researchers found that global climate models become increasingly uncertain when making predictions at scales below approximately 600 miles for temperature changes and 1200 miles for precipitation patterns. This makes it difficult to predict regional variations, such as the difference in warming between Indianapolis and Pittsburgh.
Researchers at University of Guam discovered that cycad roots can identify close relatives, leading to cooperative behaviors and improved management decisions. This finding has valuable implications for conservation settings, such as optimizing seed sowing practices and positioning plants in botanic gardens.
A global survey of 1,044 healthcare providers reveals that most expectant mothers delay discussing breastfeeding techniques until after delivery or even before the baby arrives. However, experts emphasize the importance of planning and preparation in overcoming breastfeeding challenges. To support expectant mothers, Lansinoh has develo...