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 review of 16 prognostic indices found that none were free from potential bias and only two were independently validated. The study highlights the need for further research on the quality and limitations of these indices before they can be recommended for routine use in clinical practice.
A study found that early-stage breast cancer patients often lacked knowledge about their disease and were not meaningfully involved in treatment discussions. This can lead to treatments not aligning with patient preferences, highlighting the need for improvements in the surgical decision-making process.
Research reveals that great apes like chimpanzees and orangutans use complex decision-making strategies to weigh risks and rewards. The study found that the apes chose the smaller piece more often when uncertain, suggesting a sophisticated understanding of probability and risk assessment.
Research suggests that people's gut feelings are not entirely disregarded logic, but rather an intuitive sense of conflict. Wim De Neys' study found that brain activity indicates a 'sense of something fishy' when people make decisions, highlighting the importance of logical intuitions in decision-making.
Research suggests that older adults can be trained to respond faster without compromising accuracy, indicating their cognitive skills are not as impaired as previously thought. In contrast, younger children exhibit slower response times and poorer accuracy compared to adults, improving with age. The study's findings challenge the preva...
A new science rigorously evaluates the effectiveness of team training in improving safety, decision-making, and communication. The study shows that training can produce results and improve clinical outcomes.
A Florida State University study reveals that maximizing, or second-guessing, decision-making leads to reduced satisfaction with choices. Maximizers tend to obsess over decisions and then fret about their choices later, resulting in less commitment and happiness.
Researchers found that swarms of bees can inhibit rival nest sites through a 'stop signal' behavior, preventing indecision and promoting efficient nesting choices. This behavior is similar to how humans make decisions, with individual bees targeting their stop signals only at rivals within the colony.
A Virginia Tech-led study found that family perspectives are crucial in evacuation planning, with immigrant mothers being particularly vulnerable. The research integrated social science and transportation engineering approaches to model household decision-making and interactions during evacuations.
A new study reveals that bee swarms use inhibitory 'stop signals' to inhibit competing sites and choose the best option, similar to how neurons in human brains make decisions. This mechanism helps avoid costly dithering and ensures a single site is chosen.
A new study published in Psychological Science found that people with poor credit scores are more impatient and prefer shorter-term gains over longer-term benefits. This impulsivity can lead to strategic defaulting on loans, as individuals weigh the costs of delayed gratification against short-term benefits.
A study published in Liver Transplantation reveals that liver transplant candidates prioritize 'best quality' organs over those with a higher risk of failure. The study found that patients prefer to have an equal or dominant role in deciding organ acceptance, and presenting organ quality as 'average quality' can increase risk tolerance.
Researchers found that experienced physicians who focused on failure learning more effectively than those who relied solely on success. The study used fMRI to analyze brain activity of 35 physicians as they made decisions, revealing a clear difference in mental processes between high and low performers.
A new study found that conscious awareness influences information processing during decision making, leading to non-linear integration strategies. Participants who were aware of the evidence weighted new information based on their existing knowledge.
A commentary by Michael Stefanek advocates for cancer screening reform to educate the public about potential harms and benefits. Conflicting guidelines and new technologies may lead to overtreatment or under-treatment, and false positives and negatives are a concern.
A new report by the Royal Society of Canada advocates for decriminalizing assisted dying in Canada to address inadequate end-of-life planning and care. The report found that most Canadians want to die at home but few do, highlighting the need for better planning and policies.
A study by McMaster University researchers found that voters tend to prefer candidates with lower-pitched voices, perceiving them as more attractive and dominant. This preference is related to the cue of dominance, which has been an important factor in human leadership throughout evolution.
A study found that subtly manipulating body posture influences people's estimates of quantities such as sizes, numbers, or percentages. Participants who leaned left estimated lower quantities, while those who stood upright gave more accurate estimates.
A recent study by researchers at Rice University finds that people participating in online communities tend to make riskier financial decisions. This is attributed to the false assumption that fellow community members will come to their aid when needed.
Researchers identified the orbitofrontal and anterior cingulate cortex as key players in impaired decision making, leading to addictive and compulsive behavior. The study's findings may pave the way for more targeted treatments for substance abuse and obsessive-compulsive disorders.
Researchers have successfully measured dopamine release in a human brain, tracking its movement between brain cells while a subject makes decisions. The study provides preliminary evidence that dopamine can predict future market changes.
The US FDA lacks transparency in its food additive regulatory program, with manufacturers making safety decisions without public review. The Pew Health Group's analysis highlights the need for improved public participation and science-based decision-making to protect consumers from potential hazards.
A new report by the University of Delaware finds that sharing agreements among local TV stations lead to a loss of diversity and localism, as well as job losses. In eight American television markets, the agreements resulted in a significant number of stations using the same anchors, reporters, scripts, and graphics.
A recent study published in Journal of Consumer Research found that consumers tend to choose products when marketers withhold some favorable information until late in the choice process. This approach can increase a product's overall probability of being chosen by shifting consumer priorities and creating a preference boost.
Researchers find that people's economic decisions change when survival or reproduction is on their minds. This contradicts the idea of humans making rational choices in finance, suggesting biases developed millions of years ago still affect us today. The study suggests these ancient biases can profoundly alter financial decisions over ...
A study comparing parental and healthcare professional preferences reveals a significant disparity in decision-making regarding palliative care for children with cancer. Parents favor aggressive chemotherapy, while healthcare professionals prefer supportive care.
The thesis analyzes three national appellate asylum procedures in Europe, comparing their evidentiary standards and relating them to the EU legal order and international law. The study finds that national impacts play a significant role in adapting national procedures to external requirements.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins have quantified a cell's decision-making ability, finding it to be only two possible choices. Cells can overcome their individual limitations by forming multicellular organisms, which enables them to transfer information and make decisions together.
Patients with advance directives specifying limits in treatment had significantly lower end-of-life Medicare spending and greater odds of hospice use than those without, particularly in high-spending regions. The study suggests that advance directives may be most impactful in regions where treatment norms are more aggressive.
A Vanderbilt University researcher is leading a $5.7 million study on the ethical and legal implications of sharing genomic research results with minors, seeking to establish best practices for such decisions.
A new study by the University of Michigan Health System found that subtle non-verbal clues exert an influence on medical care, with patients relying on these cues to evaluate the doctor-patient relationship and doctors using them to inform their medical judgments. The study's method shows promise for improving medical decision making.
The study identifies regions of the brain involved in tracking correlation, including the insula and anterior cingulate cortex. The researchers found that our brains learn to observe the outcome of one action and infer outcomes of other actions without needing to sample them individually.
A recent study by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that married women's autonomy and decision-making power are linked to their sexual activity. Women who have more control over household decisions tend to have sex less often, with a significant increase in time since their last intercourse.
Researchers developed prediction models that accurately predict erectile function after prostate cancer treatment based on pretreatment sexual function and patient characteristics. The models found that men who underwent certain treatments had a higher chance of regaining functional erections suitable for intercourse.
Researchers at Emory and Johns Hopkins universities have quantified the data capacity of a biochemical signaling pathway for the first time, finding that it is significantly lower than expected. The study suggests that cells may use alternative methods to communicate when their primary pathways are insufficient.
A University of Alberta study finds that unconscious feelings about objects in the environment influence long-term goal pursuit. The unconscious continues to positively value objects related to goals, even after success or failure, making it a key motivator. Participants reacted neutrally to objects after a failure, indicating a shift ...
Research shows that older decision makers trounce their younger counterparts due to improved ability to evaluate options, develop strategies, and utilize pre-frontal cortices. This increased wisdom enables them to make more rational choices in complex environments.
A new study suggests that conflict levels in marriage don't change much over the course of a relationship. Low-conflict couples tend to be those where both spouses share decision-making and believe in traditional, life-long marriage, leading to higher marital happiness and lower divorce rates.
Consumers tend to focus on quality when faced with many choices, leading them to be willing to pay more for high-quality products. The study found that in controlled experiments and natural experiments, participants were prepared to pay up to 40% more for high-quality chocolates and wine when presented with a large assortment of options.
A study found that narcissistic leaders inhibit the free exchange of information, leading to poorer decision-making outcomes. Narcissism is not a trait beneficial for everyday leadership in organizations.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that acute care emergency surgical service (ACCESS) reduced surgical decision time by 15% and overall ED overcrowding by 20%. The implementation of ACCESS also improved length of stay for patients with appendicitis cases.
Researchers found that states of relaxation consistently increase the monetary valuations of products, with relaxed individuals valuing products more highly than their less-relaxed counterparts. This effect applies to a wide range of products, including luxury items and services.
Research from Brown University economists finds that voters are more likely to support recommended candidates after newspaper endorsements, but credibility matters. Moderate voters are most influenced by endorsements. Key findings suggest voters filter out media bias when making informed decisions.
Children who are excluded from discussions about their hospital care often feel scared and angry that no-one is listening to them or telling them what is going on. The study found that many children rely on their parents as advocates and face barriers such as rushed consultations and unintelligible language, hindering their participation.
A new study published in Psychological Science found that the opportunity to exercise control through choices activates the brain's reward areas. This suggests that choice may be an adaptive behavior, as it recruits reward-related brain circuitry. The research highlights the importance of perceived control in psychological well-being a...
Up to 60% of consumers may reject the second-best option and choose a lower-rated item when given a choice between two close options. This phenomenon is known as the carryover effect, where attributes that were initially important become less relevant in subsequent decisions.
Consumers in a positive mood make quicker and more consistent judgments than unhappy people. Positive affect conditions lead to faster response times and more consistent evaluations.
A study from Stanford University discusses how incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) can be used for individual-level decision-making. By tailoring cost-utility information, clinicians and patients can make more efficient and effective healthcare choices.
Research shows that feeling connected to one's future self motivates more patient financial decisions. A study found that individuals who felt a sense of continuity with their future selves made better choices regarding long-term rewards.
A three-year study of 668 adults found that surrogate decision-making significantly delays writing DNR orders, leading to shorter time frames between decision and cardiac arrest, reduced palliative care, and less time for families to cope with death. Surrogate decision-makers may struggle with complex ethical and communication issues.
A study by Columbia Business School researchers demonstrates 'complicating choice' – the process where decision-makers increase effort for unimportant attributes. This phenomenon is driven by the 'effort compatibility principle', which aims to match expected effort with perceived effort.
A study found that children who remain in the home after a report of abuse are at increased risk of further abuse if they have certain characteristics, such as behavior problems and developmental disabilities. The study identified groupings of characteristics that increase or decrease the likelihood of reabuse.
A study found that voting in elections increases cortisol levels, a hormone released under pressure, and affects decision-making. Voting was also emotionally arousing, with both positive and negative effects.
A new study highlights the importance of parental involvement in helping teenagers understand and prepare for workplace risks. The research found that most parents are unaware of the hazards their teens face on the job, but can play a critical role in ensuring good safety standards by asking the right questions.
A new Northwestern Medicine study finds that attending physicians in intensive care units can reduce mortality rates by 50% when using a checklist and prompted to address overlooked details. The prompting system cut ventilator-associated pneumonia cases and reduced ICU length of stay.
Researchers developed a brief exam to identify frontal and temporal dysfunction in ALS patients, which can impact decision-making and treatment planning. The Penn State Brief Exam of Frontal and Temporal Dysfunction Syndromes (PSFTS) has been used in over 200 patients and is now standard care at the Medical Center.
A new study by Temple University researchers found that teens still struggle to plan ahead, leading to riskier decisions. The study tested 890 individuals between 10-30 years old and showed improvements in impulse control with age, allowing for better problem-solving skills.
A new study found that Walmart proposed more stores in pro-business states near the borders of less friendly states, even in the face of protests. This discovery provides evidence of how firms engage in regulatory arbitrage and make decisions about where to open stores.
A recent study found that oncologists value life-prolonging treatments more than quality-enhancing ones when making chemotherapy decisions. The authors also noted that there is a lack of standardized methods for analyzing cost-effectiveness in healthcare. This disparity is particularly notable in the United States, where there are no g...
Researchers discovered that people tend to gamble on double-or-nothing wins when relying on past experiences, whereas they avoid risky choices for losses. This finding suggests a reversal in decision-making strategies based on abstract possibilities versus memory of past outcomes.