Writing Worth Reading
Writing Worth Reading
How do cognitive and emotional factors affect our understanding of economic decisions? The field of behavioural economics attempts to explain
Why do some people have a higher pain threshold than others?
Particularly when it involves someone wanting to tattoo your face. Typically engaging, 5-1/2 minute talk
Dan Ariely brings a behavioural economist's mind to the workings of the dating game
Are we less inclined to act in the face of large-scale tragedy than small-scale suffering?
People start by cheating a little bit, because they’re trying to balance feeling good about themselves with benefiting from cheating. But after they’ve reached a certain point, they begin thinking of themselves as cheaters. Once this happens, they start cheating a lot
Interview with Dan Ariely, on basics of behavioural economics. Behaviour is predictable, but not always rational. Experiments show that emotions and circumstances can change our judgement in predictable ways, without our noticing
Pioneer of behavioural economics on how he came—slowly—to question the way in which we make judgements, arrive at beliefs. Central theme: When we can't solve a complex problem, we solve a simple problem, and transpose the results
"Economics is at the start of a revolution that is traceable to an unexpected source: Medical schools." Can neuroscience – the science of how the brain works – change the way we think about how people make decisions?
Behavioural economics helps to shape policy in the West; can it now help to alleviate poverty in the developing world? Perhaps, as randomised trials of development programmes generate results that challenge "rational agent" model
In 2009 Obama applied behavioural economics to hard policy, via a tax credit. Its format was designed to make people spend more money. In reality, it made them spend less. Does this challenge the authority of behavioural economists?
![The rejuvenated Docklands @ the IFSC in Dublin, on the River Liffey, exploration awaits, urban chic, enjoy!:) by UggBoy♥UggGirl [ PHOTO // WORLD // TRAVEL ]](http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3145/4553029600_0f02194104_s.jpg "The rejuvenated Docklands @ the IFSC in Dublin, on the River Liffey, exploration awaits, urban chic, enjoy!:) by UggBoy♥UggGirl [ PHOTO // WORLD // TRAVEL ]")
Why financial advisers aren't as useful as they claim. Behavioural economics shows flaws in two key questions they ask: How much of your current salary will you need in retirement? What is your risk attitude on a seven-point scale?
When we feel safe, it's easier to concentrate on the abstract pleasures of an object, not its price. Effect is so strong, it can make us value items 15% above their market rate. Luxury retailers caught on quick. Casinos took longer
Does religious belief influence economic behaviour? Belief in hell seems to correlate well with faster growth. It may be that shared faith encourages mutual trust
Excellent profile of behavioural economist, advocate of soft paternalism, now in Obama administration. People should be "nudged" into making choices that are best for them.
Soft paternalism—Sunstein, Thaler et al—grows out of behavioural economics. Claims to help people make better choices for themselves. It's OK in moderation, But beware slippery slope.
New political interest in happiness and wellbeing is bringing psychology and economics together again after a century of separation. Leading to re-evaluation of work. Used to be viewed as a curse. But unemployment is far worse
Great piece on the behavioural economics of gyms. They're designed to be dull. So members won't come very often or stay very long, and real athletes—who'd be there all day—won't join at all
If you want a quick primer on the subject, here it is, from an expert. What behavioural economics means, why it doesn't place much hope in market forces, and how it can bring practical gains
Anthropologist working in retail industry explains economy of "shopper marketing"—which is to say, marketing to people who are already inside the store, where "70% of brand selections are made"
Successful retailers know how to draw people inside. It's mainly simple things—such as good signage, open doors, clean pavement, clear lines of sight, convenient opening hours. Museums could learn a lot
Behavioural economist investigates the principles of optimal gift-giving. Starting proposition: “A good gift is something that someone really wants, but feels guilty about buying for themselves.”
We can all be more aware of our surroundings and our decision-making process, says the professor of psychology and behavioural economics. He recommends five books to help us maximise our prosperity and well-being
