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 found that when people imagine future events, activity in a dopamine-laden part of the brain tracks their estimates of expected pleasure. The study suggests that manipulating dopamine levels can alter people's expectations and choices.
A new study from Columbia University found that US patients are almost five times more likely to spend their last hospital days in the ICU than patients in England. The research also revealed that ICU usage among terminal patients is eight times higher in the US than in England, particularly among those over 85.
A relative utility curve is a simple method to evaluate risk prediction in medical decision-making frameworks. The author illustrates its application in analyzing previously published data involving breast density and risk prediction models for invasive breast cancer.
A new facial expression recognition system is being developed to help autistic children recognize emotions of surrounding people. The portable device uses boosting classifier and derivative-based filtering to locate the face region and classify emotional expressions.
A new decision aid tool, developed by Mayo Clinic clinicians and designers, helps patients with type 2 diabetes make informed decisions about their medication. The tool, a set of cards, involves patients in the decision-making process and leads to better patient-centered care.
The study found that uncertainty regarding clinical effectiveness is a key issue in coverage decisions. The agencies make recommendations consistent with evidence on effectiveness and cost-effectiveness but other factors often play important roles.
A survey found that men largely make decisions about prostate cancer screening based on conversations with clinicians, but these discussions often do not include information about the risks of testing. Statistical modeling suggests that benefits and harms of PSA screening vary with age and risk level, with higher-risk men having more p...
A new report argues that current governance activities on nanotechnology are limiting public debate and may repeat mistakes made in managing GMOs. The report recommends innovative ways to involve the public in decision-making, such as treating their views with respect and using them to inform science policy.
A Mayo Clinic survey published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that most physicians agree on their professional obligation to address health policy issues and expand access to basic healthcare. However, some physicians oppose measures such as underinsuring patients or using cost-effectiveness data in treatment decisions.
A new study from the University of Alberta found significant differences in leisure experiences between two group homes. Women with intellectual disabilities who were given support and autonomy had more independent leisure activities, while those with staff-directed leisure had limited choices.
A Kansas State University geographer is researching how rural communities define and implement sustainability to improve civic and business leader decisions. She found that some leaders have a clear understanding of the term, while others struggle with its meaning.
A study published in PNAS found that adolescent rats exposed to alcohol showed a bias towards uncertain rewards, while control group rats made more informed decisions. This research suggests a causal link between early heavy drinking and later adult decision-making impairments.
Researchers found that incidental mood is generally not incorporated into memory-based judgments made after the mood has passed. However, if the mood effects are 'locked in,' such as through real-time evaluations, participants' memories can be influenced.
Michigan State University researchers aim to help people sort out complex environmental problems in developing regions. They are testing a new survey method that taps recent insights from behavioral decision research to capture people's full willingness to make trade-offs.
A new study finds that cognitive stress can significantly impact decision making, leading participants to overlook information predicting negative outcomes. Under pressure, individuals may rely on past rewards rather than rational considerations, resulting in irrational biases.
A new study found that personal connections can lead to further investment in failing programs, even to one's own financial detriment. Business leaders and organizations should carefully consider integrating a true outsider to make more decisive decisions.
A study found that one in five doctors are uncomfortable working with surrogates, reporting ineffective communication and increased stress levels. The lack of clear guidelines for surrogate decision makers can lead to difficult decisions, causing distress for both physicians and families.
A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that women's decisions on breast cancer surgery are often influenced by family and friends. The study discovered that when patients take a more active role in decision-making, they are more likely to choose mastectomy over breast-conserving surgery.
A study using virtual reality and real-world hide-and-seek found that people tend to look closer to their starting location when searching for objects. When hiding objects, they disperse them over a wider area. This research could lead to more realistic game environments and advanced search-enhancing tools for law enforcement.
Researchers found that presenting risk as natural frequencies and using bar charts helped participants make decisions consistent with their values. The studies also showed that different data presentations can be more persuasive, regardless of the participant's values. Healthcare providers should strive to maintain objectivity while re...
NOAA has awarded over $2.7 million in competitive grant funding to the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association to develop a comprehensive ocean observing system for the Mid-Atlantic region. The funding will support efforts to improve data coordination, forecasting, and regional data management.
Surrogates are divided on how much guidance they want from doctors when making end-of-life medical choices for critically ill patients. While a slight majority prefer doctor's advice, many feel burdened by guilt and value patient's values over physician input.
Physicians warn that mandated treatments in healthcare reform can misalign doctor-patient goals, leading to financial conflicts. The authors advocate for a 'shared decision-making' model that incorporates medical humanism to ensure patient autonomy and cultural values are respected.
Researchers discovered that rewarding correct decisions can enhance brain function in the cortex and improve learning. Targeted manipulation of dopamine levels may lead to new possibilities in treating patients after a stroke or improving cognitive abilities.
A study in Medical Decision Making found that a large-scale anthrax attack would overwhelm hospital resources even with an effective public health response due to expected delays. Researchers developed best practices guidelines for modeling disaster responses, including striking the right balance between simplicity and complexity.
Researchers at Arizona State University and Princeton University found that ants can accomplish a task more rationally than humans due to their collective decision-making process. By minimizing individual mistakes, the 'wisdom of crowds' approach emerges, leading to more accurate outcomes.
The IOM CER Committee recommends prioritizing research on high-priority topics, including improving the uptake of new knowledge and its translation into better decision-making. The committee aims to create a sustainable national CER initiative that can improve healthcare for individual patients and communities.
Researchers at Penn found that people ignore crucial information when making decisions, leading to miscalculations of body weight and calories. The 'Unit Bias' heuristic causes participants to focus solely on certain dimensions, neglecting others.
A new online decision tool allows prostate cancer patients to weigh their own preferences against medical data to personalize treatment plans. The tool considers multiple factors, including life expectancy and side effects, to guide treatment decisions.
Researchers uncover neural mechanism supporting adaptability and decision-making under uncertainty, with the frontal lobe playing a critical role in tracking evidence and switching behavior.
A study led by Michigan State University's Chris Melde found that children who join gangs report a decrease in fear of victimization, even though they face greater risks. The researchers suggest that intervening during this critical period could impact gang members' decisions to stay or leave the group.
A Swedish study found that 70% of extremely preterm infants born alive between 22-26 weeks survived at least one year. Proactive perinatal management likely contributed to this outcome, making it crucial to reassess decision-making for these infants.
Researchers used fMRI to study participants engaging in a complex risky choice task, revealing different brain regions predicting specific choices and individual strategic biases. The findings indicate that the neural mechanisms of choice reflect more than competition between decision variables.
The American Pain Society has issued a new clinical practice guideline for low back pain, recommending noninvasive treatments over interventional procedures and shared decision making. The guideline provides eight recommendations to help determine the best way to treat patients with persistent back pain.
Researchers found that learning from experience changes brain circuitry, enabling quicker categorization and decision-making in uncertain situations. The study suggests that previous experience is retained in brain circuits, influencing flexible decisions and actions.
A study by NUI Galway found that older people living in residential care need a holistic approach to maintain a good quality of life. Key factors include the ethos of care, sense of self and identity, connection with others and activities.
Researchers found that brain cells in the lateral intraparietal cortex predict direction choice and uncertainty, revealing a link between decision making and certainty. The study suggests a simple mechanism underlying both, bringing certainty under the same rubric as choice and reaction time.
A new study published in the Journal of Neuroscience reveals that a person's susceptibility to biased economic decision-making is influenced by their genetic make-up. The research found that variation in the serotonin transporter gene affects how individuals respond to framing effects, with those carrying the 'short' variant being more...
A University of Haifa study found that exposure to stories about successful risk-taking decisions influenced investment advisors' perceptions of a Nasdaq-traded stock. The study suggests that psychological factors, such as priming, can shape financial decision-making. This phenomenon highlights the importance of considering psychology ...
A new study examines how distraction affects product decisions and finds that it can be helpful for those with a configural mindset. Consumers who focus on overall impressions of products make more accurate evaluations after being distracted.
Researchers found that breast cancer screening's life-saving benefit gradually increases with age, but the majority of women do not need regular mammograms to save lives. The study estimated that around 1 in 5,000 women will be saved by screening between ages 40-59.
A study published in Psychological Science found that acute stress impairs rational thinking, causing individuals to become more conservative in financial decisions but riskier when losses are involved. This can have significant implications for personal finance and decision-making under stress.
Researchers found that backcasters, who imagine future feelings and consider event information, predict more extreme emotions than forecasters. This approach could benefit marketers by changing consumers' expectations about their feelings after an event.
A new Georgia State University study found that police officers with a higher ability to multitask are less likely to shoot unarmed persons when feeling threatened during video simulations. Officers with lower working memory capacity and high negative emotionality were more likely to make shooting decisions.
A new study published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that teams with a 'socially distinct newcomer' are more likely to solve problems successfully. The key factor is not the newcomer's skills or knowledge, but their ability to shake up the group dynamic and create discomfort among team members.
A recent report by Professor David Spiegelhalter suggests that London's murder numbers follow a predictable pattern, with certain aspects being statistically expected. The study found that the number of murders in London is not unusually high and has remained stable over the past five years.
The study found that individuals who focus on individual choices are more loss-averse, while those considering portfolio strategies exhibit less emotional response to losses. This shift in perspective reduces physiological arousal, such as increased sweating, associated with financial losses.
Patients who undergo aggressive brain surgery after a severe stroke generally improve their lives and live longer, according to research by neurologists at the University of Rochester Medical Center. The study found that patients who didn't have the surgery were about three times more likely to die within a year than those who did.
Leading experts Colin Hay and Gerry Stoker say politics has become 'depoliticised' due to key decisions being handed over to independent bodies. They argue that politicians have lost trust in their ability to govern effectively and in the collective interest, leading to a disenchantment with the conduct of politics.
A new computer-aided method using MDCT detected and measured 83 pneumothoraces with high accuracy, outperforming manual volumetric measurements. The system reduced measurement time from 30 minutes to just three minutes.
A Brown University study found that the frontal lobe controls decision-making along a continuum from abstract to concrete, with damage affecting higher-level functions but not lower ones. The research suggests specific areas of the frontal cortex are required for different levels of abstract decision-making.
Researchers at Duke University's Fuqua School of Business and the Wisconsin School of Business found that people are consistently overly optimistic when predicting future behavior. By asking individuals to make two sets of predictions - one ideal and one realistic - participants reported more accurate estimates and improved decision-ma...
A new project aims to analyze if ethical training programs can prevent doping and unfair behavior in sports by teaching ethical competencies. The online program will be designed to evaluate its effectiveness in preventing doping among young elite athletes aged 12-14.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have created a mathematical model to explore the roles of noise in controlling DNA replication and cell division. The study reveals flaws in two accepted notions about information processing in single cells, suggesting that the average number of mRNA molecules must be much larger than previously thought.
A study found that people tend to overestimate their long-term enjoyment of products, leading them to choose cheaper options with fewer features. This is because consumers who think about how long they will use a product and anticipate decreased enjoyment are less likely to buy premium items.
Researchers found that shoppers focus on the first digit of prices, leading to biased decision-making. The study suggests that consumers should be aware of this tendency when making purchases.
Taxonomist Barbara Taylor highlights the need to consider uncertainty in taxonomy for threatened and endangered species. She proposes incorporating uncertainty into decision-making processes using risk assessment models, which can aid precautionary conservation measures.
A new study confirms that young teenagers think less about the future than adults, but it's not because they're impulsive. Research suggests that immaturity in brain systems governing sensation seeking, rather than self-control, contributes to this phenomenon.
A study by Rutgers University scientists found that both humans and mice are proficient in assessing risk, challenging traditional views of human decision-making. The research suggests that risk assessment is a programmed cognitive mechanism that is present in many animals.
A new study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that people who deliberately weigh their options make less accurate judgments than those who trust their instincts. In five separate studies, researchers found that complex decisions led to decreased effectiveness of deliberation.