Research on how people make decisions. Covers workplace food choices, medication risk trade-offs, and treatment selection in mental health.
Dr. Marisa Orr receives a five-year CAREER grant to develop an online Academic Dashboard for empowering engineering students to make adaptive decisions and achieve academic success. The project aims to improve student outcomes by reducing time to graduation and increasing student satisfaction with their major and eventual career.
Researchers at the University of Delaware have successfully programmed underwater robots to independently analyze data and trigger new missions based on real-time information. This technology has the potential to reveal new details about prey movement and behavior in the ocean.
Researchers at Rockefeller University found that the cell body actively controls axon degeneration in embryos. The study reveals that a lack of NGF triggers a message within the cell that ultimately instructs the axon to die.
A new study found that graphical displays of fiber and protein per calorie values can encourage consumers to purchase healthier menu items. The researchers observed a significant reduction in calories purchased from entrees and an increase in protein per calorie when nutrition information was displayed graphically.
The financial industry is facing a major economic threat from elder financial exploitation and cognitive decline, which can result in significant losses for individuals and society. New research and initiatives are being developed to detect, prevent, and intervene in these cases, including predictive models and algorithms.
A new study in PNAS suggests that environmental scholars can increase their policy impact by consulting widely with stakeholders during research. Stakeholder engagement is found to be a better predictor of future policy impacts than perceived scientific credibility.
A new study found that wearing a helmet can increase sensation-seeking behavior and risk-taking in adults, challenging common safety advice. Researchers used a computer-based simulation to test participants' willingness to take risks while wearing different types of headgear.
A Cornell University study found that consumers are more supportive of GM labeling when they believe the company considered public input. The research bolsters procedural justice theory, suggesting transparency builds trust and legitimacy in decision-making processes.
A NYU study investigates how brain mechanisms affect decision-making after errors. The research found that a combination of adaptive and maladaptive neural processes influence slowing, but ultimately lead to no change in accuracy. Insights from the study may offer new perspectives on afflictions like Alzheimer's Disease and ADHD.
A new study by UTSA professor Matthew McCarter found that allowing employees to vote on whether to turn off the internet results in significant reductions of cyberloafing. This approach increased productivity among former cyberloafers by 38%, demonstrating the effectiveness of giving workers control over their work environment.
Neuroscientists have identified a 'predictive neuron orchestra' in the brain that anticipates body movements, such as eyeing and reaching. This orchestration among distinct brain regions enhances decision-making process understanding, potentially shedding light on impaired dynamics in mental illnesses.
The brain initially represents and decides between competing action options by planning multiple movements simultaneously. Researchers found that participants planned a movement for each potential target and executed these movements simultaneously when the target was uncertain.
A study by Stanford University researchers discovered that activity in two brain regions - the anterior insula and nucleus accumbens - affects an individual's likelihood of taking risks in financial matters. Those with a stronger connection between these regions tend to be more cautious in their gambling decisions.
Experts argue that cancer screening has never been shown to 'save lives' due to reduced overall mortality rates. Harms associated with screening, such as overdiagnosis and false positives, are significant concerns. The authors call for higher standards of evidence and consideration of harms in cancer screening.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has awarded a grant to Stevens Institute and Penn Nursing to use policy flight simulators to determine the usability and effectiveness of the Transitional Care Model. The goal is to accelerate decisions to implement the TCM, which addresses negative effects associated with common breakdowns in care.
Researchers from Charité's Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience tested whether people can cancel decisions based on brain waves. They found that a person's decisions are not at the mercy of unconscious and early brain waves, but can actively intervene in the decision-making process.
A study found that doctors give less compassionate nonverbal cues to black patients compared to white patients, potentially leading to miscommunication and mistrust. The researchers suggest that physicians be aware of their verbal and nonverbal communication to build trust with black patients.
A study of women's experiences with labor delays found that many are willing to abandon their ideal birth plans for a safe delivery. The key challenge for healthcare professionals is to effectively transition from choice to care in uncertain situations.
A study published in JAMA Surgery found that nonoperative management with antibiotics was an effective treatment strategy for children with uncomplicated appendicitis, resulting in fewer disability days and lower healthcare costs. The study also showed no difference in health-related quality of life at one year.
A new study by Avinash Vaidya and Dr. Lesley Fellows at the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital found that the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (PFC) is crucial in decision-making, recalling the value of objects not directly in view to keep options open.
The inaugural issue of Healthcare Transformation features provocative conversations with thought leaders and decision makers, including Aneesh Chopra and Jack and Suzy Welch. The journal aims to reimagine healthcare delivery, education, and technology, predicting a Blockbuster-to-Netflix paradigm shift in the healthcare industry.
A new study led by Adda Grimberg proposes to reframe the debate on treating short stature in children. The research team found that psychosocial issues such as self-esteem and future adult success dominate parent discussions, with treatment characteristics and health concerns playing a significant role in decision-making.
A study found that individuals with internet access are 5% more likely to claim ignorance when faced with general-knowledge questions. This suggests that constant connectivity to information leads to a diminished reliance on personal knowledge.
New research reveals a genetic influence on choosing immediate rewards over delayed ones, linked to serotonin and kappa opioid receptors. This finding suggests a potential genetic basis for impulsivity and addiction-related behaviors.
A new report analyzes factors driving public trust in policing, finding that respectful treatment and transparent decision making are key to building cooperation. The study highlights the importance of procedural justice in fostering perceptions of police legitimacy.
Researchers at UTA are developing an integrated decision support tool to optimize water supply systems, allowing water providers to make informed decisions about when to transfer water between reservoirs. The Hydrologic Ensemble Forecast System will provide a range of possible values for cost-effective decisions.
A new study by Rice University social scientist Erin Cech dispels the idea that women choose more flexible career fields due to plans to raise children, while men opt for provider-friendly roles. Most students did not consider their future family plans when making career decisions.
A study by University of Missouri graduate student Sarah Ward found that people who trust their gut feelings are less likely to cheat after considering past immoral behavior. Participants in the experiment were asked to imagine acting immorally and then complete an unsolvable IQ test, with results showing that up to 23% cheated. The re...
A CU research study found that Latino patients on dialysis prefer aggressive care and earlier discussions about end-of-life decisions. The study highlights the importance of delivering palliative care in a culturally sensitive way to meet the needs of this growing segment of the US population.
A Stanford University study found that ethnic minorities value high-quality end-of-life care, but face numerous barriers, including poor communication and financial issues. The study's authors emphasized the need for culturally competent care as the US population becomes increasingly diverse by 2044.
The special issue of Biomarkers in Medicine focuses on advances in biomarker research for regulatory science. Biomarkers are used to predict response to therapies, disease prognosis, and establish baseline risk. The journal aims to facilitate translation of research knowledge into clinical practice.
A new study examines the spatial distribution of conservation lands in the Appalachian Mountains. The research found that social factors play a more significant role in the distribution of conservation easements than environmental factors.
Virginia Tech researchers will investigate how people on the brink of developing Type 2 diabetes value the future, aiming to improve self-regulation and prevent medical complications. The study, funded by $2.4 million grant, applies approaches developed in addiction research to develop a behavioral treatment.
A new study suggests that hospital evidence-based practice centers (EPCs) can inform decision-making in medical settings, improving quality, safety, and value of care. EPCs can analyze scientific literature to fill critical knowledge gaps, leading to better outcomes and cost savings.
Experts' advice is often compromised by subjective influences and biases, warn researchers. They suggest integrating expert judgements with evidence-based approaches to improve accuracy and reliability.
A new framework provides eight key ways to improve the advice of experts, including using groups with diverse members and minimizing psychological bias. The framework aims to balance conventional expert advice with methods that alleviate biases and ensure accountability.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that nearly four in ten older adults struggle with managing their health care needs, with many delaying or avoiding treatments. Despite this, the majority prefer to play an active role in making decisions about their healthcare.
Researchers found that video conferencing can facilitate shared decision-making among terminally ill patients and family caregivers in hospice care. The study highlights the need for more research on shared decision-making in hospice care to improve patient-centered care.
Discussing a menu of reasonable treatment options with patients can improve patient compliance and health outcomes. Physicians often present only one option, but a partnership approach that includes patient preference can make a real difference.
Researchers at Ohio State University found no association between narcissism and risk-taking in lab experiments, contradicting previous research that relied on self-reports. While there were slight differences in responses, none had real practical significance.
A new study suggests that public policies should account for individuals' varying levels of self-control when assessing their effectiveness. The researchers recommend using domain-specific measures to better understand consumer behavior and decision-making. This approach can facilitate the development of more effective interventions, p...
A new grant will test Interactive Virtual Decision Support for End of Life and Palliative Care (INVOLVE) with 270 patients at University Hospitals Case Medical Center. The technology aims to alleviate stress and regret in families making critical-care decisions.
Researchers found that the visual cortex can make decisions on its own, switching between different interpretations of visual input. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the role of the visual cortex in processing visual information.
A new study suggests that a common approach to vaginal birth and team work can increase the rate of vaginal births after caesarean sections. The study, led by Professor Ingela Lundgren, found that women should be involved in decision-making and receive faith and support.
A new study from Mayo Clinic shows that simple conversation cards can dramatically improve patients' and clinicians' satisfaction with antidepressant discussions. The tool increased patients' comfort in making decisions by 5 points and their satisfaction likelihood by 2.4-fold, while also improving physicians' decision-making comfort a...
A decision aid helped primary care clinicians and patients with moderate to severe depression select antidepressants together, improving decisional comfort and knowledge. However, its effect on depression control and medication use was not discernible.
The University of Michigan released its final report on high-volume hydraulic fracturing in Michigan, providing an analysis of policy options for the state's natural gas and oil extraction process. The report includes recommendations for public participation, water resources, and chemical use related to high-volume hydraulic fracturing.
A recent study revealed that the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) integrates information about a suspect's blameworthiness and harm to others, enabling humans to decide on appropriate punishment levels. The DLPFC is specialized for integrating multiple streams of information to select responses.
Researchers at Ohio State University propose a new theoretical approach to psychology based on quantum physics, enabling humans to make decisions in uncertain situations. This approach resolves contradictions among previous studies and provides insight into human behavior, including the effect of survey question order.
A new study by Michigan State University researcher Arend Hintze found that moderate competition optimally drives the evolution of decision-making strategies in humans. In crowded areas, hermit crabs evolve split-second decision-making to claim new shells, demonstrating a similar phenomenon in human politics.
A new study published in Patient Education and Counseling found that patients of minority race/ethnicity groups receive less information from their doctors about treatment rationale and scientific research. The study emphasizes the importance of consistent physician-patient communication to ensure equal care for all patients.
A new Duke University study reveals that adolescents aged 10 to 16 can be more analytical in their economic choices than slightly older young adults. Researchers found that teens carefully weigh decisions, using cost-benefit analysis skills, while young adults rely on simple rules.
A new study suggests that lawyers' deep knowledge of law has little impact on civil court cases. Instead, the difference lies in their ability to assist with procedures, navigate relationships, and phrase key phrases. This expertise can lead to better outcomes for those representing themselves.
A new video game called VERITAS aims to improve deception detection skills by training players to identify heuristics and detect deception through questioning. The game, developed by UCSB researcher Norah Dunbar, is designed for law enforcement and intelligence communities.
A study analyzed 249 audio-recorded conversations between surrogate decision-makers and healthcare professionals, finding that religious or spiritual considerations were discussed in 40 cases, mostly initiated by surrogates. The discussions focused on beliefs, practices, community, miracles, and the end-of-life as a new beginning.
A USC study reveals inaccuracies in CPR depictions on TV, including lower survival rates and incorrect patient demographics. The findings highlight the need for improved physician-patient communication and discussions around advance care planning decisions.
Research by Dr. Fabrice Jollant found that high-risk decision-making among parents of individuals who committed suicide may contribute to their vulnerability. The study suggests that cognitive training and neurostimulation techniques can help improve decision-making skills, reducing the risk of suicide.
Arizona State University's Decision Center for a Desert City will explore transformational changes to sustain water supplies in the Colorado River Basin region, enabling cities like Colorado, Nevada, and California to build capacity for sustainable water management. The four-year award brings total NSF investment to $18 million.
A recent study published in the Journal of Marketing Research found that companies going public often adopt a more conservative approach to innovation, introducing fewer groundbreaking products. Despite this, they do innovate more and introduce a wider variety of products, such as new flavors or package sizes.
A new study in the Journal of International Marketing found that companies need both planning and improvisation in their export decisions. Improvisation is a prevalent method of decision-making in exporting, but there is no one 'best way' to make effective export decisions.