Research on how people make decisions. Covers workplace food choices, medication risk trade-offs, and treatment selection in mental health.
Researchers developed a mathematical model that explains how the brain carries out working memory tasks, including loading, holding, and comparing information. The model makes predictions about the neurological basis of working memory.
Medical students learn to make difficult decisions with uncertainty, but also need to articulate their reasons. A new training approach helps doctors reason ethically and balance patient autonomy with societal obligations.
A study published in Liver Transplantation found that liver disease severity does not accurately predict quality of life, suggesting alternative methods should be considered for organ allocation. Patients with end-stage liver disease experience impaired quality of life, but this is not correlated with MELD scores.
Researchers create a system that takes chaotic reports from the field and transforms them into useful information for decision-makers and emergency responders. The system, undergoing beta testing, is designed to suggest likely scenarios and provide confidence measures within minutes of receiving initial reports.
Researchers find that consumers perceive defaults as indicative of marketers' intentions, leading to biased choices. This phenomenon is known as marketplace metacognition, where consumers try to decipher the marketer's intended choice.
Research reveals that consumers prioritize product categories over brands when making purchasing decisions. The study finds that subjective knowledge drives consumer behavior, leading them to seek out specific areas of stores that align with their values.
Researchers found that consumers tend to favor singular brands over average options, even if they don't necessarily outperform others. This phenomenon leads to higher purchasing rates when consumers feel good about the product, not just the average option.
Researchers found that hospitals should prioritize fairness over quick decisions when facing a crisis like SARS, citing the need for transparency and accountability in decision-making. The study suggests areas for improvement, including better access to rationales behind decisions and formal revision/appeals mechanisms.
Researchers trained European starlings to choose between rich food sources and decoys, finding that 'irrational' preferences resulted from energetic state rather than cognitive mechanisms. The study warns against introducing confounding effects in nonbiological framework testing ideas.
The study highlights the need for improved decision-analytic models to capture the complexity of PD symptoms and treatment complications. Long-term effects of treatment on clinical symptoms and health-related quality of life are crucial in evaluating PD interventions.
Procter & Gamble has won the INFORMS Prize for its far-reaching integration of operations research into organizational decision making. The company's use of analytics and operations research has contributed substantially to its bottom line over the last decade, driving strategies for manufacturing capacity and distribution networks.
The study ranked prescriptive graduate decision programs based on the quality of their contributions to education and research. The highest-rated programs include Duke, Harvard, Stanford, Carnegie Mellon, University of Chicago, and University of Pennsylvania.
The Lancet editorial emphasizes the need for a more compassionate approach to end-of-life medical decisions, particularly in cases where parents and doctors disagree. The article advocates for arbitration as an alternative to court proceedings, citing its potential to resolve conflicts in a more constructive manner.
Researchers at NIMH identified a brain region in the frontal cortex as the site of perceptual decision-making, which weighs competing signals from specialized visual processing areas. The discovery could explain why harder-to-identify images evoke slower responses in this area.
A study found that 31% of acute medical inpatients lack mental capacity, but recognition by clinical staff is low. Increasing age and cognitive impairment are key factors associated with a lack of mental capacity.
Researchers discovered a brain region, lateral intraparietal (LIP) area, plays a key role in subjective decisions about actions. Monkeys trained to play a game against computer opponent adopted the same strategy as humans, suggesting similar neural processes are at play.
Diane Swanson's research reveals that executives prioritizing ethics tend to prefer fair pay, while those downplaying values often have higher salaries. This finding highlights the need for business education to focus on service to community rather than self-centeredness.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University challenge the somatic marker hypothesis, a widely-held theory on decision-making. The study suggests that bodily states may not be as influential in guiding decisions as previously thought.
The study found that adolescents' autonomy increased over five years, with more independence in personal and multifaceted issues as they aged. Parental involvement in prudential and conventional decisions was associated with better adjustment, while joint decision-making on multifaceted issues predicted positive outcomes.
The Lancet task force outlines a research agenda to strengthen health systems and deliver effective interventions in an equitable manner. The proposal aims to enhance capacity for delivering life-saving interventions, particularly in the developing world.
A study found that 65% of physicians made treatment decisions inconsistent with their patients' advance directives. Despite the presence of these documents, physicians prioritized other factors in difficult clinical situations. The authors emphasize the need for improved conflict resolution in end-of-life decision making.
Karol Zyczkowski and Wojciech Slomczynski found that citizens in different EU countries will have unequal influence on Council of Ministers decisions. They propose a fairer solution called the Jagiellonian Compromise, where voting power is proportional to population, giving smaller states equal weight.
Researchers developed a 'Wireless Health Outcomes Monitoring System' (WHOMS) that enables doctors to send short questionnaires to patients via mobile phone, reducing the need for printed questionnaires. The system aims to improve doctor-patient communication and prioritize patients in serious need.
A recent study by the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that breast cancer patients who made their own treatment decisions were more likely to choose mastectomies over breast-conserving surgeries. The study also revealed that fewer than a third of women with mastectomies received reconstructive surgery, and those...
Researchers found that among patients with confirmed Crohn's disease, clinical decisions based on capsule endoscopy findings improved outcomes in 95% of patients. Capsule endoscopy was also 100 percent effective in excluding a diagnosis of Crohn's disease.
A study found that clerks at large urban medical centers make discretionary choices when deciding whether to provide care to uninsured patients. Despite policies being ambiguous or incomplete, most frontline staff reported not turning patients away.
A comprehensive review of hundreds of studies on living wills finds they fail to meet five key criteria for success. The researchers argue that living wills offer a false promise of control over end-of-life treatment and recommend using durable powers of attorneys instead.
A new three-step process developed by NIST's Office of Applied Economics evaluates the vulnerability of facilities to terrorist threats, considering engineering, management, and financial strategies. The tool assesses the most cost-effective combination of risk reduction strategies to protect facilities from damages.
NIST develops standardized emergency response software and proposes industry-government collaboration to enhance interoperability. The proposed Electronic Emergency Response Framework will provide decision-makers with easily accessible modeling and simulation tools.
A six-month aerobic exercise program improved cognitive performance on a decision-making task in older adults by reducing behavioral conflict. The study used functional magnetic resonance imaging to measure changes in brain activity in middle-frontal and superior parietal regions, which were associated with improved performance.
Scientists, including Stephen H. Schneider, will discuss challenges of assessing and communicating scientific risk in managing marine fisheries. Schneider also emphasizes the importance of effective science communication to counter false dichotomies in media coverage.
Researchers studied household land-use strategies in Brazil and the Midwest, finding that crop prices, conservation plans, and state/federal forest protection programs influence decisions. This complexity may make it difficult for policymakers to develop a single, uniform policy for entire regions.
Patients want more information about managing their heart conditions, particularly regarding diet, high cholesterol, and exercise. Despite a clear preference for sharing decision-making with doctors, patients reported feeling moderately well-informed and wanting more information.
A study of 70 patients found that informed consent before cataract surgery had no significant impact on their decisions. Cognitive dissonance also played a role in shaping their choices. The results suggest that ophthalmologists should consider the limited influence of informed consent in surgical decision-making.
Operations researchers at Delta Air Lines used simulations to optimize boarding processes, resulting in a 25% reduction in aircraft turnaround time. The study's findings suggest improved utilization and increased convenience for passengers.
A multi-center study led by Fox Chase Cancer Center oncologist aims to develop an interactive internet-based tool to assess patient values and information needs, providing education on cancer treatment and communication skills training. The goal is to improve doctor-patient communication and patient satisfaction.
A new report warns that the US air transportation system is in peril due to a lack of coordination among stakeholders. The report calls for a focused national leadership and strategic vision to enable the airline industry to meet increasing travel demand.
A new study aims to investigate how physicians treat end-stage heart failure patients, focusing on the use of inotropic drugs. The research hopes to provide a framework for selecting care options, including palliation, for older heart failure patients near the end of life.
A European study of over 20,000 deaths in six countries found that end-of-life decisions were common, with administration of drugs to hasten death varying significantly between countries. The study highlights the need for further exploration of end-of-life care practices and attitudes towards physician-assisted death.
A study by Michelle J. Hindin found that younger women in rural areas, with lower education and income, were more likely to justify wife beating. In contrast, urban women from wealthy households or those with shared education were less likely to do so.
A University of Melbourne postdoctoral student will develop computer software agents for Britain's Ministry of Defence to model real human behaviour. The agents will aim to inject life-like behaviour into computer-generated forces, improving training and analysis.
Researchers Jules Berman and Donald Henson developed a classification system for cancer precursors, identifying 568 distinct concepts with over 4700 terms. This database is designed to be fully searchable and linked to other databases, providing a potential breakthrough in early detection and treatment.
The study found that physicians can improve ICU end-of-life conferences by providing emotional support, listening to family members' concerns, and allowing them more time to speak. This leads to increased family satisfaction and reduced conflict during the conference.
The System Assessment Capability (SAC) is an integrated system of computer models and databases that predicts the movement and fate of contaminants through the vadose zone, groundwater, and Columbia River. SAC assesses the impact of contaminants on human health, animals, and the environment, providing a comprehensive understanding of c...
The Management of Knowledge-Intensive Dynamic Systems (MKIDS) program supports research on how information technologies can streamline processes for organizations responding to rapidly changing situations. Researchers are developing tools to design optimal organizational structures, predict failure points, and monitor organizational pe...
A study by Catherine Ortner found that intoxicated individuals may actually make more cautious decisions than sober counterparts in certain situations. The research suggests a complex relationship between alcohol consumption and decision-making processes.
A universal consent form improved the consent rate for invasive procedures in ICU patients from 53% to 90.5%. This allowed patients and families to make more decisions and enabled healthcare providers to be more responsive to their wishes.
Research by Kansas State University psychology professor maps choice-making in the brain, revealing two systems: deliberative and emotional. The study demonstrates the relationship between brain activity and observed choices, with surprising results on how the brain processes risk and ambiguity.
A Bayer BP team introduced six decision points to help determine whether to continue developing a new drug for dissolving blood clots. The process has improved forecasting technical and market risks, allowing for more informed decisions.
A new monsoon forecasting method developed by Professor Peter Webster could guide farmers in choosing optimal planting times and making informed decisions about water management. This technique, applicable to any monsoon region, has the potential to create a significant increase in crop yields without relying on pesticides or fertilizers.
A study led by Dr Andrea Litva found that both health professionals and lay people do not currently support direct public involvement in clinical governance. The research suggests that creating a culture shift among lay people will require time and support from primary care trusts to involve the public effectively.
A recent study by Ohio State University reveals that chronic self-doubters are more prone to anxiety, depression, and procrastination. They tend to lack confidence in their decision-making abilities, leading to a vicious cycle of self-doubt.
New Ohio State University research suggests district court judges tend to follow appellate judges' decisions on labor law cases. The study found that district judges are less likely to write signed majority opinions and dissents, indicating they often go along with the decisions rather than taking initiative.
A study by Aysan Sev'er explores the experiences of 39 women who escaped abusive relationships, revealing key findings about resilience, support networks, and the importance of self-respect. The book provides a model for coping strategies that can help survivors rebuild their lives.
A study by Texas A&M University found that even small amounts of alcohol can impair driving skills and increase the risk of accidents. Drivers with a blood alcohol concentration as low as .04 (half the legal limit) showed significant impairment in their abilities, highlighting the dangers of drinking and driving.
The Association of American Medical Colleges and colleagues argue that attaining greater diversity in the health care workforce is crucial for advancing cultural competency among providers. Addressing disparities in primary, secondary, and undergraduate education can help increase access to high-quality health services for minorities.
The American Sociological Association's President emphasizes the need to study mechanisms driving social inequalities in the workplace. Researchers should focus on organizational and societal-level factors, such as design of work and promotions, to understand how ascriptive characteristics affect inequality.
Research suggests that altruism, not panic, drives human behavior during disasters. In emergency situations, people prioritize helping others over self-preservation. Clarke's study highlights the importance of community expectations and trust in authorities to guide behavior during crises.
A study by the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences found that young tech CEOs are more likely to invest in research and development, while older attorneys tend to be more conservative. The study suggests that CEO characteristics, such as background and tenure, have a significant impact on R&D spending.
Researchers aim to develop autonomous intelligent network and systems that can perform coordinated actions without human intervention. The goal is to create a 'commander' giving broad operational orders, while agents work together to overcome complex challenges, such as distributed signal processing and wireless communication.