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.
Researchers used remote eye-trackers to monitor participants' gaze while thinking about complex moral questions. The results showed that participants' moral decisions were systematically biased towards the target alternative, with a 58% success rate for choosing the randomly selected option.
Researchers at the University of Bonn found that traffic light labels are more effective in helping consumers resist high-calorie foods than traditional nutrition labels. The study participants were willing to pay significantly more for healthy products with green labels and less for unhealthy products with red labels.
A study suggests that supervisors can distinguish between selfless and self-servingly motivated employees based on their organizational citizenship behavior. Selfless employees are more likely to contribute positively to the organization, while self-servingly motivated employees focus on personal advancement.
A new study suggests that realistic consumers who create budgets are more successful in prioritizing their spending and managing finances. Consumers who budget beforehand tend to report fewer dysfunctional behaviors such as overspending and impulsive shopping.
A recent study published in the Lancet found that babies with severely restricted growth in the womb who were monitored using late ductus venosus changes had better neurodevelopmental outcomes than those who were monitored using other techniques. The researchers recommend that these babies should be supervised in specialist centers whe...
Highly anxious people struggle to read environmental cues, leading to poor decision-making under uncertainty. They may catastrophize or have trouble adjusting to changing situations, resulting in worse choices.
An interactive online education tool has been developed to help practicing oncologists with therapeutic decision-making for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by providing feedback from an expert panel. The tool integrates clinical, histological, and molecular features into treatment plans, leading to a change in treatment cho...
Researchers found that asking people to compare a donation to an indulgent product increases charitable donations. People feel less selfish when envisioning a treat, leading to more generous giving.
A new study in the Journal of Marketing Research found that marketing managers' attempts to imagine themselves as consumers lead to biased predictions, with their own preferences taking over. The researchers conducted four studies and discovered that by acknowledging this bias, managers can overcome it and make more customer-centric de...
A new study found that cancer patients' preferences for involving family members in treatment decisions differ significantly by ethnic background, marital status, sex, age, and insurance status. Non-English speaking Asian patients and Spanish-speaking Hispanic patients were more likely to share decision-making with their families.
Researchers at Columbia University find that brain neurons apply Wald's sequential probability ratio test to make simple decisions, just like Alan Turing did with the Enigma code. This neural implementation of the test allows for rapid weighing of probabilities and rational decision-making.
A study found that watching a video explaining CPR and intubation procedures improved patient understanding, with 72% opting against intubation and 64% refusing CPR. Videos helped patients express their choices to doctors, promoting patient-centered care.
A new study found that women who understand the risks of over-detection and over-diagnosis associated with mammography screening are less likely to have a breast screening test. The Lancet study suggests that clear decision support materials can help women make more informed decisions about their screening choices.
A large study found that hot flashes and night sweats lasted for more than 7 years in half of all midlife women, with African American women reporting the longest total VMS duration. Women with lower educational attainment, greater stress, and higher depressive symptoms experienced longer symptom durations.
A study from the University at Buffalo School of Management analyzed surveys and interviews with Mumbai Police officers involved in the response to terrorist attacks. The researchers found that first responders who received timely information access made better decisions, while those without proper training were less effective. To impr...
Research suggests that how people visualize hackers affects their cybersecurity decisions. Those who picture a teenage hacker make better decisions, while those who visualize a foreign hacker focus on more lucrative targets. This study aims to influence the development of cybersecurity by understanding social behaviors and rationales b...
Professor John Savage argues that a multistakeholder model is key to maintaining a free and open Internet. He suggests disaggregating governance into smaller, manageable issues and utilizing existing international organizations for non-technical public policy matters.
Patients who preferred physician-controlled decisions had lower reported quality of care compared to those with shared decision-making. Patients' reports about the quality of their care are increasingly important health care performance measures.
The EU and GBIF are launching a €3.9 million project to enhance capacity and mobilize data from Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. The BID initiative aims to improve biodiversity management in these regions and support human well-being.
Researchers found that rhesus macaques were willing to give up a significant portion of a potential prize to quickly find out if they selected the winning option in a game of chance. The study suggests that the brain's Orbitofrontal cortex plays a crucial role in processing curiosity and evaluating rewards.
After 40 years of work, experts conclude that securing individual rights, improving caregiving relationships, and reforming healthcare systems are crucial to advancing end-of-life care. Strategies include training clinicians in communication skills, designing systemic improvements, and enacting financing reforms.
A new electronic model developed by McMaster University researchers aims to revolutionize shared decision-making in doctor's offices. The SHARE-IT decision aids provide simple formats for patients to review medical information and evidence, promoting meaningful conversations between patients and doctors.
Researchers found that dividing options into smaller piles and choosing the best option from each pile produced the best outcomes. In contrast, considering all options together led to poor decisions due to choice overload. The sequential tournament approach was the most effective but also the least liked by study subjects.
A Canadian multicenter survey of over 1,200 hospital-based clinicians identified key barriers to end-of-life care discussions with seriously ill patients and their families. The study found that factors such as difficulty accepting a poor prognosis, limited understanding of life-sustaining treatments, and disagreements among family mem...
Carnegie Mellon researchers highlight the challenges of navigating complex tradeoffs in privacy decision-making, citing context dependence and malleability of privacy concerns. Effective policies must focus on achieving a greater balance of power between individuals and data holders to protect privacy.
Researchers found that individuals carrying a single copy of the KLOTHO allele, associated with better cognition and longevity, have larger volumes in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. This brain region is vulnerable to atrophy as people age, impacting planning and decision-making abilities.
A recent study by Robert Mai and Stefan Hoffmann found that healthy food is often perceived as tasting bad, leading to overconsumption of unhealthy options. Despite education on ingredients, consumers prioritize taste over healthiness, making it challenging to combat obesity rates.
A new study in the Journal of Marketing shows that the scent surrounding a store atmosphere can influence consumer choices. Researchers found that warm fragrances make consumers perceive crowded spaces, leading them to compensate by buying prestigious items and increasing their purchases overall.
A new algorithm is a useful tool for measuring chronic kidney disease patients' readiness to make decisions about initiating dialysis. Patients with knowledge and fewer lifestyle barriers to home dialysis are more likely to be ready to make decisions, while clinicians who explain treatment options can increase readiness.
A new study from Columbia Business School found that 'crystallized intelligence,' gained through experience and accumulated knowledge, is more important than 'fluid intelligence' in making sound financial decisions. The research suggests guidelines for policymakers to help older adults with complex financial decisions.
A new study reveals that hospital case managers rarely provide patients with quality data on at-home care providers, despite state and federal reports being available online. The researchers found that only a few case managers were aware of these reports, and even fewer shared this information with patients.
Researchers recommend increasing documentation of racial disparities in policing and trial outcomes to prevent inequality. They also suggest implementing bias training and promoting institutional diversity to reduce racial biases in legal decision-making.
A study by the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston found that patients in the highest risk category were less likely to receive gallbladder removal surgery. Despite this, only 22% of those in high-risk group had their gallbladders removed. The researchers used a predictive model to identify low-, moderate-, and high-risk ca...
A new study published in PLOS Computational Biology suggests that animals can make efficient decisions by controlling the amount of effort invested within each unit of time, rather than just speed and accuracy. This ability allows them to adapt to changing environments and gain a fitness advantage over those with limited flexibility.
A team of neuroscientists has found that our brains use elapsed time as a proxy for task difficulty to calculate how confident we should be when faced with making choices but lacking sufficient evidence. This association helps untangle the different factors that contribute to the decision-making process.
A study published in Psychological Science found that people with extreme political beliefs are less influenced by outside information and more resistant to the anchor bias, suggesting they make more confident judgments. The results suggest that political extremists' strong belief in the superiority of their ideology may be a key factor.
A recent study published in the Royal Society journal Interface suggests that humans have evolved to rely too heavily on social information, leading to a decrease in responsiveness to changes in their environment. This phenomenon, known as herd mentality, can result in groups becoming less effective at making decisions.
A new study in the Journal of International Marketing reveals that subsidiary desire for autonomy is driven by psychology, leading to dysfunctional business relationships. Subsidiaries strive for independence to influence local markets, which can backfire if not managed carefully.
A new online tool, Cities Impact Assessment Tool (CIAT), helps cities in the Great Lakes region anticipate and prepare for climate-related challenges. The tool provides climate histories, projections, and adaptation strategies to support informed policy and infrastructure decisions.
A new Duke University study finds that older adults recruit an additional brain area to remember competing consumer products and choose the better one. The study suggests that this brain activity, involving the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, allows them to perform at a higher level.
A recent study found that feelings of disgust can increase behaviors like lying and cheating, while cleanliness can help people return to ethical behavior. The researchers used three randomized experiments to test the impact of emotions on decision-making.
Dwarf mongooses show real-time behavioral plasticity in response to threat indicators, altering their behavior based on environmental conditions and social signals. This flexible decision-making allows them to optimize foraging time versus vigilance, ensuring survival in a vulnerable predator-rich environment.
A Michigan State University study explores how attitudes about knowledge and power drive the wolf debate, identifying four themes: mistrust among decision-makers, special interest groups disenfranchising voters, political influencers overriding science, and local sources of information being ignored.
Most organizations prioritize analytics maturity, but few have a plan to assess their analytics best practices. INFORMS' survey reveals that only 18% of respondents have an analytics maturity model in place, with many citing lack of resources or affordability as barriers.
A study of the volunteer advocate program found that it provided comprehensive care to incapacitated patients, including end-of-life decisions and Medicaid applications. The program's success demonstrates a viable alternative to overwhelmed state agencies and provides hope for vulnerable individuals without surrogates.
A new report from The Gerontological Society of America highlights the importance of advance directives in securing appropriate advanced illness care. It presents new models and tools that family members and providers can use to provide person- and family-centered care, which may be cost-effective.
Researchers at MIT have created a new visualization system that projects a robot's intentions in real-time, enabling engineers to better understand and optimize their decisions. This technology has the potential to significantly improve the development of self-driving cars, package-delivering drones, and other autonomous vehicles.
The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care recommends against using the PSA test to screen for prostate cancer in most men, citing an increased risk of false positives and overdiagnosis. The guideline aims to balance potential benefits with substantial harms.
A flexible approach to managing disease outbreaks, called adaptive management, allows for real-time updates to contain outbreaks more quickly and efficiently. This approach could lead to significant savings in livestock losses and improved outcomes in cases like foot-and-mouth disease.
Research shows that people associate specific facial traits with personality traits, leading to biased decisions. Studies have found that faces associated with competence, dominance, and friendliness influence social outcomes, such as election results and military rank attainment.
A new adaptive management approach could improve outcomes in disease outbreaks by allowing for quick updates to interventions based on real-time information. This flexible approach has been proposed as a way to contain outbreaks more efficiently and effectively, saving lives and millions of dollars.
Research from Oregon State University found that children's poor decision-making skills at age 10-11 can lead to behavioral difficulties and high-risk health behavior in their teen years. Early intervention may help improve outcomes by teaching decision-making skills.
A new study found that consumers who feel guilty focus on concrete details, while those feeling ashamed consider the bigger picture. This insight can help companies tailor their ads to avoid negative effects.
The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) has launched a free menopause mobile app, MenoPro, that uses an algorithm to help clinicians and patients make personalized treatment decisions. The app offers two modes, including one for healthcare providers and one for patients, and provides access to NAMS resources and a cardiovascular di...
A new study by Michigan State University researchers found that men tend to focus on an artist's background and authenticity when evaluating art, while women prioritize the artwork itself. This finding has implications for the $64 billion art market and other industries where creativity is involved.
A study reveals that female fruit flies use a small number of excitatory neurons and neurotransmitters like acetylcholine to decide whether to accept or reject male courtship. The decision-making process is found to be generated in three brain regions, suggesting a complex circuit involving sensory inputs and neural signaling.
Research at Royal Holloway University found that individuals with delusions tend to make hasty choices in daily life. They gather less information before making decisions, leading to potentially less successful outcomes.
Scientists discovered a new type of brain activity that forecasts when a spontaneous decision occurs more than a second in advance. The premotor cortex neurons can predict the rat's actions with remarkable accuracy.
A new supplement published in Health Policy and Planning presents the latest research on people-centred health systems, emphasizing the importance of patient and community involvement. The studies reveal four key themes: ensuring people have a voice, putting people first in healthcare design, recognizing social relationships within hea...
CWRU researchers are investigating how patients make end-of-life decisions, with a focus on improving the quality of life for patients and their loved ones. The four-year study aims to better understand the complex interactions between healthcare professionals, caregivers, and patients in making these decisions.