Articles tagged with Decision Making
A new study found that binge drinking is linked to poor decision making among college students, regardless of impulsivity. Long-term neurocognitive effects are unclear, but researchers suggest heavy alcohol use can impact decision-making abilities.
A randomized trial found that brand names significantly impact patient treatment decisions, with 36% changing their choice after seeing the true name. The study suggests that decision aids can help patients navigate complex medical decisions and express their personal values.
A web-based program is being tested to help prostate cancer patients make informed treatment decisions by providing information on different approaches. The program aims to reduce inner conflict and increase patient satisfaction.
Researchers discovered a key role for fictive learning in evaluating behavior, influencing decisions and potential addiction. The study used investment games and fMRI to measure brain responses to 'what could have been' outcomes, revealing a distinct signal in the ventral caudate nucleus.
A study found that reaction time slows down during the night and reaches its lowest point in the early morning, affecting cognitive processing stages. The central-slowing hypothesis suggests that this slowdown contributes to impaired driving performance and increased risk of traffic accidents in the early morning.
A study published in SLEEP found that sleep deprivation can adversely affect decision-making at a gambling table by elevating the expectation of gains and making light of losses. Brain imaging revealed selectively more active anticipation of reward in the nucleus accumbens, while attenuated response to losses in the insula.
The study found that strong extended family ties facilitated evacuation decisions, providing access to transportation and shelter, but also hindered it by creating conflicting opinions about evacuation messages. This highlights the importance of considering social networks in disaster planning for vulnerable communities.
Research suggests that older adults excel in situations where they rely on emotions and past experiences, but struggle when faced with unfamiliar information. The study highlights the importance of tailoring advice to the individual's cognitive abilities.
The American College of Physicians recommends that clinicians assess each woman's breast cancer risk profile before making a decision about screening mammography. Women between 40-49 years old should weigh the potential benefits and harms of screening, discussing their concerns with their doctor to make an informed choice.
A primary care health network in Fort Worth, Texas, took responsibility for 3,700 Hurricane Katrina evacuees, providing medical care for nearly half of them. The network prevented its emergency department from being overwhelmed by creating a triage center and referring evacuees to primary care clinics. The authors reflect on valuable l...
A study by neuroscientists from Harvard, USC, and Caltech finds that damage to the frontal lobe's ventromedial prefrontal cortex leads to abnormal moral choices. The research suggests that emotions play a crucial role in moral judgments, but also leaves intact other moral problem-solving abilities.
Researchers found that red-breasted nuthatches can distinguish between high and low danger threats from the alarm calls of black-capped chickadees. The nuthatches' behavior suggests they learn to interpret the calls through complex social interactions, highlighting their intelligence and adaptability.
A survey of 500 Medicare patients found that physicians served as the main decision-makers one-third of the time, with men and those in worse health more likely to report this. The study highlights the need for further research on patient involvement in surgical decision-making.
Complex health decisions rely on estimates of disease burden from various sources, many of which are marketed by skilled advocates. To inform decision-making, it's essential to assess and interpret these statistics critically.
A new study suggests that shopping lists promote impulsive decisions, as recalling available options consumes mental energy. Consumers tend to opt for lower-priced items when memory-based decisions are involved, whereas higher-priced goods with perceived quality are chosen when options are in sight.
Research suggests that superfluous choices at early stages of purchase can lead to increased customer satisfaction, as consumers perceive greater deliberation and fluency in decision-making. This results in higher repeat business rates and brand loyalty.
Researchers discovered that brain regions involved in spatial attention, planning movements, and decision-making activate simultaneously when preparing for a task. This preparation enables the brain to get a 'running start', leading to quicker responses. The study's findings have implications for understanding real-world tasks like dri...
The podcast series explores the impact of nanotechnology on human health, safety, and the environment. Key stakeholders share their perspectives on the benefits and challenges associated with this emerging technology. The discussion aims to raise awareness and promote informed decision-making about the future of nanotechnology.
New research reveals kids consider multiple factors when deciding who to include in their groups, including social skills, group dynamics, bias, and inclusion/exclusion. Understanding these processes can help address exclusion and promote social justice.
A University of Oregon psychologist argues that genocide prevention efforts fail due to a lack of emotional response to increasing numbers of victims. Research suggests that people's capacity for empathy decreases with larger groups, making it difficult to reach critical mass for decision-making.
David Mendonça is leading a study on creativity by first responders after the 2001 World Trade Center attack and 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. The analysis draws from radio communications and interviews with response personnel.
A trial comparison found that COX-2 inhibitors like etoricoxib are associated with fewer upper gastrointestinal clinical events in patients with arthritis, compared to traditional NSAIDs like diclofenac. The study suggests that COX-2 inhibitors may be a safer alternative for pain management.
A team of researchers has made a groundbreaking discovery in the Movement, Adaptation, Cognition Laboratory, revealing an interaction at the cellular level between cognitive information and motor information. This finding provides a fundamental advance in understanding the physiological role of the basal ganglia and has significant imp...
Previous studies suggested that protected values lead to quantity insensitivity, but new findings reveal a different story. Morally-motivated decision makers may actually be more sensitive to consequences when considering net benefits.
The study found that the brain's reward centers are activated when thinking about potential gains, but turned down for potential losses. Neural activity in areas such as the prefrontal cortex and ventral striatum is more sensitive to possible losses than gains, predicting individual differences in risk-aversion.
A new study by Cornell professor Brian Wansink found that people make over 200 food-related decisions each day, largely driven by mindless autopilot. By changing the environment to work for them, individuals can reduce their eating habits and make healthier choices.
Red squirrels have figured out a way to predict spruce tree seed crops months in advance and bet on the most abundant harvests. By producing second litters before bumper crop seasons, they increase their chances of survival and reproductive success.
A new study by Cornell University researchers found that teens ponder risks longer than adults, leading to a higher likelihood of engaging in high-risk behaviors. The findings suggest that interventions should focus on developing 'gist-based' thinking to avoid dangers rather than weighing pros and cons.
A new study finds that negative feelings towards a country do not necessarily lead to product evaluations based on country of origin. Angry consumers may try to punish a country by avoiding its products, while saddened consumers believe the event is beyond human control and do not affect their purchasing.
A study of over 44,000 patients found that blood transfusions were associated with a benefit in those with low hematocrit levels but harm in others. For patients with moderate hematocrit levels, transfusions showed no benefit or harm, suggesting providers may reconsider their decision-making process.
A mathematical model developed by MIT engineers can help optimize natural gas production in Malaysia. The model takes into account the complex interactions between pipelines, facilities, and contracts to ensure a reliable supply of this valuable fuel.
Researchers develop new statistical approaches to assist doctors' decision making for severely ill newborn babies, enabling better-informed decisions and potential life-saving interventions. Bayesian methods will be integrated into electronic medical records to provide instant analysis of patient data and improve treatment strategies.
Research finds that consumers who base their decisions on emotional responses are more satisfied with their purchases, both immediately and three weeks later. The study suggests that it can be beneficial for consumers to consider feelings when making purchasing decisions.
A University of Illinois study explores how abused women decide on child custody arrangements, revealing the complex interplay between fear, practical considerations, and family ideology. The research highlights the need for tailored interventions to address the unique needs of parents with histories of violence.
Researcher Dr. Sean Drummond studied the effects of sleep deprivation on decision making, attention, and working memory performance. After 64 hours without sleep, volunteers' brains were unable to recruit help, highlighting the need for better understanding of sleep deprivation's consequences.
A Northwestern University study found that over 90% of patients support designating a proxy for health care, but less than 26% had previously been asked. The researchers advocate for routine identification of proxies to promote advance care planning and improve patient outcomes.
Biodiversity experts warn of a major crisis and urge creation of an inter-governmental mechanism to provide a united, authoritative scientific voice. Existing organizations lack the structural means to mobilize the expertise of a large scientific community, spanning multiple disciplines.
Research finds that parity pricing increases the likelihood of customers ordering dessert when unsure what to choose. Differential pricing can both help and hinder decision-making depending on consumer preferences.
A study by Thomas Denberg and colleagues found that fear, misconceptions, and anecdotal information significantly influence men's treatment decisions. Despite receiving health information, patients often struggle with recalling risks and benefits, leading to poor treatment choices.
Rochester Institute of Technology and color scientist Roy Berns have developed a practical approach to eliminate subjective lighting decisions when imaging artwork. The five-year project will create an instrument to capture geometric and spectral information of artwork, using mathematical models to predict properties.
The article highlights the importance of adaptive management in homeland security, emphasizing the need for collaborative planning, adaptability, and effective communication among stakeholders. It is based on a study that explores how professionals can work across boundaries to address unanticipated problems.
A new 'roulette wheel' tool can help patients visualize the risks and benefits of prostate cancer screening, allowing them to make more informed decisions. The tool presents probabilities in a clear and accessible way, helping patients weigh the potential benefits against the risks.
Researchers Wako Yoshida and Shin Ishii explored how different cortical regions function in solving partially observable decision-making problems. They found that the anterior prefrontal cortex is involved in belief maintenance, while the medial prefrontal cortex is involved in belief back-track processes.
A study by Eelco Wijdicks and his son found that only two out of 30 movies with coma characters showed a reasonably accurate representation. Common inaccuracies include portraying comatose people as suddenly awakening with no physical or mental problems, or showing them with closed eyes only.
A clinical decision support tool improved doctors' diagnostic accuracy by 12.5% and reduced errors of omission by 10%, suggesting its potential to reduce preventable medical errors.
A new study assesses the relationship between financial conflicts of interest and voting patterns at FDA meetings. The analysis reveals that nearly 28% of advisory committee members and consultants disclosed conflicts, often related to consulting arrangements, contracts/grants, or investments.
The study confirms that honeybees dance to report on real estate as part of their group decision-making process. The better the site, the stronger the waggle dance, which attracts other scouts to visit the recommended site.
Researchers found that promotion-focused individuals prioritize their ability to follow through with healthy behaviors, while prevention-focused individuals prioritize the effectiveness of the behavior itself. This study has important implications for distributing information about healthy practices.
Research reveals that men's concerns about controlling their cancer drive treatment choices, despite limited reliance on scientific evidence. The study highlights the need for improved patient education and informed decision-making support.
Research by Alexander Chernev found that consumers tend to opt for larger assortments when choosing where to shop, but this preference reverses when the focus is on minimizing decision complexity. Ultimately, offering too many options can lead to a decrease in overall probability of purchase.
A study of over 4500 women reveals that nearly 10% of repeat cesarean deliveries have no documented reason, emphasizing the importance of accurate physician-recorded indications. Future research should focus on clinicians' and women's decision-making processes about childbirth after a prior cesarean delivery.
A new open-source software tool successfully removed over 98% of unique identifiers from pathology reports, including name, address, and social security numbers. The developers found that hospital-specific customization may be necessary to achieve optimal performance.
A Canadian study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that patients and family members prioritized having confidence and trust in their doctors' care over dying at home. The results suggest that current efforts to support more patients dying at home may be misguided.
A Penn bioethics researcher explores the intersection of neuroscience and ethics, highlighting potential implications for teaching ethics and forensic outcomes. The researcher's work raises important questions about the balance between individual freedom and the need for scientific understanding.
The new standard offers greater uniformity in design, operation and arrangement of fire panels, as well as equipment specifications concerning wireless and remote applications. The standardization effort aims to make real-time information clearly and quickly available for processing, planning and response.
Researchers found that different types of negative emotions trigger distinct preferences in decision-making. Anxiety prefers safer options with control, while sadness favors more rewarding and comforting choices. Even when the cause of negative emotions is known, decisions related to that cause can still be affected by the emotions.
A recent Emory University study used fMRI to investigate how Democrats and Republicans process information during the 2004 US Presidential election. The researchers found that emotional circuits in the brain lit up when partisans held biased opinions, rather than rational reasoning.
A study of 257 breast cancer patients aged 55+ found that Hispanic women were more likely to identify a family member as the final decision-maker for treatment. This led to lower rates of breast-conserving surgery compared to mastectomy in these patients. The study highlights the importance of acknowledging patients' family members in ...
A recent study by University of Washington researcher Scott Reynolds found that people who focus on the ends (consequences) are less sensitive to ethical issues involving rule violations. In contrast, those who prioritize means (morality) recognize both harmful and non-harmful situations as ethical issues.
Researchers developed a new approach to analyze drug effectiveness data, providing insights into the cost-effectiveness of newer and older anti-epileptic drugs. The study suggests that two older drugs, valproate and carbamazepine, are likely to be more cost-effective for newly diagnosed patients with partial seizures.