http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/consumer_behavior/ Consumer Behavior. Read the latest research on what motivates people to buy, how brand names affect the brain, mindless autopilot through decision-making and more. en-us Thu, 16 Feb 2012 04:05:01 EST Thu, 16 Feb 2012 04:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/consumer_behavior/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214171121.htm We like to think of ourselves as rational creatures, absorbing information, weighing it carefully, and making thoughtful decisions. But, as it turns out, we're kidding ourselves. Over the past few decades, scientists have shown there are many different internal and external factors influencing how we think, feel, communicate, and make decisions at any given moment. One particularly powerful influence may be our own bodies, according to new research. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:11:11 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214171121.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214122124.htm Researchers have found that teammates in a team-based weight loss competition significantly influenced each other's weight loss, suggesting that weight loss can be contagious. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:21:21 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214122124.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214122038.htm Though cellphones are usually considered devices that connect people, they may make users less socially minded, finds a recent study. The researchers found that after a short period of cellphone use subjects were less inclined to volunteer for community service when asked, compared to control-group counterparts. Talking on a cell phone reduces the desire to connect with others, they explain. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214122038.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207095633.htm Students in the nation's oldest and maybe still the only course on Super Bowl Advertising rated the big game's commercials in the 9th annual Super Ad Poll. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:56:56 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207095633.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201123937.htm Scientists have found that the capacity of the human brain to process and record information - and not economic constraints - may constitute the dominant limiting factor for the overall growth of globally stored information. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:39:39 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201123937.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131093058.htm The average price for a 30-second advertising spot in the 2012 Super Bowl on Feb. 5 is a staggering $3.5 million and a new study suggests that, for advertisers, it may not really matter if the New England Patriots or the New York Giants win. But for the sake of companies forking out big bucks on the ads, it had better be a close and exciting game. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:30:30 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131093058.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131092410.htm Research shows a storyline that really makes the viewer pay attention may score the highest. Marketing narratives are more likely to trigger a positive response when following the storyline requires some mental work. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:24:24 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131092410.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126143656.htm Psychologists have found that buying experiences makes people happier than possessions, but who spends their spare cash on experiences? Extraverts and people who are open to new experiences are more likely to make a habit of "experience shopping" and are happier as a result, according to new research. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:36:36 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126143656.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125132810.htm If you were a blind, cannibalistic sea slug, living among others just like you, nearly every encounter with another creature would require a simple cost/benefit calculation: Should I eat that -- or flee? In a new study, researchers report that these responses are linked to a simple circuit in the brain of the sea slug Pleurobranchaea. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:28:28 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125132810.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125131120.htm Sending a text message leads people to lie more often than in other forms of communication, according to new research. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:11:11 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125131120.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124093142.htm In cultures that permit men to take multiple wives, the intra-sexual competition that occurs causes greater levels of crime, violence, poverty and gender inequality than in societies that institutionalize and practice monogamous marriage. That is a key finding of a new study that explores the global rise of monogamous marriage as a dominant cultural institution. The study suggests that institutionalized monogamous marriage is rapidly replacing polygamy because it has lower levels of inherent social problems. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:31:31 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124093142.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120122201240.htm A neuro-imaging study shows that personal values people refuse to disavow, even when offered cash, are processed differently in the brain than those values that are willingly sold. The experiment found that the realm of the sacred -- whether a strong religious belief, national identity or code of ethics -- is a distinct cognitive process, and prompts greater activation of a brain area associated with rules-based, right-or-wrong thought processes, as opposed to regions linked to costs-versus-benefits thought. Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:12:12 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120122201240.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120119163242.htm A simple program involving color-coded food labeling and adjusting the way food items are positioned in display cases was successful in encouraging more healthful food choices in a large hospital cafeteria. Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:32:32 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120119163242.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120117145103.htm For centuries, gossip has been dismissed as salacious, idle chatter that can damage reputations and erode trust. But a new study suggests rumor-mongering can have positive outcomes such as helping us police bad behavior, prevent exploitation and lower stress. Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:51:51 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120117145103.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120117143357.htm While the percentage of obese children in the United States tripled between the early 1970s and the late 2000s, a new study suggests that -- at least for middle school students -- weight gain has nothing to do with the candy, soda, chips, and other junk food they can purchase at school. Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:33:33 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120117143357.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112134334.htm The perception that women are scarce leads men to become impulsive, save less, and increase borrowing, according to new research. Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:43:43 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112134334.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110140429.htm Will borrowing money to buy a new car make you feel richer? It depends on your net worth, says a new study. "People's perceptions of wealth vary not only as a function of their net worth, but also of the amount of assets and debt they have," says a psychology graduate student. Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:04:04 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110140429.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111229091636.htm Chimpanzees, orangutans, gorillas and bonobos make more sophisticated decisions than was previously thought. Great apes weigh their chances of success, based on what they know and the likelihood to succeed when guessing, according to a new study. The findings may provide insight into human decision-making as well. Thu, 29 Dec 2011 09:16:16 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111229091636.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221151718.htm An international study of holiday shopping and religion finds that dominant religious groups are more likely to experience "consumption mass hysteria" while shoppers in minority religions may view malls and stores much differently: as central meeting places that "can play an active role in the creation of a sacred event." Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:17:17 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221151718.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111220203136.htm Research into decision-making by European starlings may help explain why many animals, including humans, sometimes exhibit irrational preferences. Tue, 20 Dec 2011 20:31:31 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111220203136.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111220102636.htm Emotional differences between the rich and poor, as depicted in such Charles Dickens classics as "A Christmas Carol" and "A Tale of Two Cities," may have a scientific basis. Researchers have found that people in the lower socio-economic classes are more physiologically attuned to suffering, and quicker to express compassion than their more affluent counterparts. Tue, 20 Dec 2011 10:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111220102636.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215135846.htm You're in search of a new coffee maker, and the simple quest becomes, well, an ordeal. After doing copious amounts of research and reading dozens of consumer reviews, you finally make a purchase, only to wonder: "Was this the right choice? Could I do better? What is the return policy?" Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215135846.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213114717.htm A new study finds an association between impatience and lower credit scores. Tue, 13 Dec 2011 11:47:47 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213114717.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213110552.htm Consumer reactions to online comments depend on the number of comments and the reader's orientation (whether it's positive or negative), according to a new study. Tue, 13 Dec 2011 11:05:05 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213110552.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213110550.htm If you say you're going to buy something, you're more likely to do it. But why is that? According to a new study, stating an intention leads consumers to action -- and makes them more likely to purchase their preferred brands. Tue, 13 Dec 2011 11:05:05 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213110550.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213110533.htm You are likely to identify with a brand that advertises alongside your personal information on a Facebook page (especially if you have high self-esteem), according to a new study. The same ad will have less impact if you view it on a stranger's page. Tue, 13 Dec 2011 11:05:05 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213110533.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213110531.htm Consumers hold churches and pharmaceutical companies to different moral standards than other organizations, according to a new study in the Journal of Consumer Research. Tue, 13 Dec 2011 11:05:05 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213110531.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213110525.htm Although holiday sales and events try to drive as many customers to retail stores as possible, a new study shows that the crowding may drive them away as well. Tue, 13 Dec 2011 11:05:05 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213110525.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212124829.htm Holiday shoppers, take note. Researchers have found that in gift giving, bundling together an expensive "big" gift and a smaller "stocking stuffer" reduces the perceived value of the overall package for the recipient. Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:48:48 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212124829.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208142019.htm Swarms of bees and brains made up of neurons make decisions using strikingly similar mechanisms, says a new study. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208142019.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208121406.htm A new research study suggests that interactive applications for mobile phones such as Apple's iPhone and Google's Android may be some of the most powerful forms of advertising yet developed. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:14:14 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208121406.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111202155803.htm Is there a psychological reason why people default on their mortgages? A new study finds that people with bad credit scores are more impatient -- more likely to choose immediate rewards rather than wait for a larger reward later. Fri, 02 Dec 2011 15:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111202155803.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111110130102.htm Willing to risk your knowledge, skills and monetary reward in competition? If you are under age 50, you've probably not reached your competitive peak. If you are older, that peak is behind you. That people are willing to engage in risk at 50 surprised economists and psychologists who explored such behavior in their research. Thu, 10 Nov 2011 13:01:01 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111110130102.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111107160239.htm Notes printed on credit card statements about minimum payments due actually result in lower cardholder repayments, researchers report. Mon, 07 Nov 2011 16:02:02 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111107160239.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101155507.htm People who participate in online communities are more likely to make risky financial decisions, according to a new study. Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:55:55 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101155507.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111030151656.htm The first rapid measurements of dopamine release in a human brain have provided preliminary evidence that the neurotransmitter can be tracked in its movement between brain cells while a subject expresses decision-making behavior. Sun, 30 Oct 2011 15:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111030151656.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111030151554.htm What drives addicts to repeatedly choose drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, overeating, gambling or kleptomania, despite the risks involved? Neuroscientists have pinpointed the exact locations in the brain where calculations are made that can result in addictive and compulsive behavior. Sun, 30 Oct 2011 15:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111030151554.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111027163109.htm Poorer countries and those that spend less on health care have greater incidences of stroke and stroke death than wealthier nations, according to new research. Stroke patients in poorer countries were more likely to be younger and to have hemorrhagic stroke, which occurs when a blood vessel in or near the brain bursts. The findings emphasize the importance of preventing stroke risk factors, especially in developing countries. Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111027163109.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111027132459.htm If you believe that good things always come in small packages, a new study may change your mind -- especially this close to Halloween. Thu, 27 Oct 2011 13:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111027132459.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024084634.htm Are Nutrition Facts labels read in detail by consumers when making purchases? Do people read only certain portions of the labels? According to a new study, consumers' self-reported viewing of Nutrition Facts label components was higher than objectively measured viewing using an eye-tracking device. Researchers also determined that centrally located Nutrition Facts labels are viewed more frequently and for longer than those located peripherally. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 08:46:46 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024084634.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111021125801.htm Despite the proliferation of social networks, many Americans feel alone and isolated. According to a new study, lonely individuals behave differently in the marketplace than people with strong social networks. Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:58:58 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111021125801.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111021125755.htm Consumers are more likely to choose products when marketers withhold some favorable information until late in the choice process, according to a new study. But marketers need to walk a fine line to disclose information at just the right time. Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:57:57 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111021125755.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111021125717.htm Consumers need a little help when it comes to imagining using products, according to a new study. Sometimes that means orienting an advertisement toward a dominant hand or helping them picture using the product (like putting a spoon in a soup advertisement). Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:57:57 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111021125717.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111021125713.htm Consumers who tell little white lies to avoid confrontation might find themselves rewarding the people who inconvenienced them, according to a new study. Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:57:57 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111021125713.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111021125707.htm New research reveals how we make decisions. Birds choosing between berry bushes and investors trading stocks are faced with the same fundamental challenge -- making optimal choices in an environment featuring varying costs and benefits. Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:57:57 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111021125707.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111021074534.htm The benefits of virtual worlds can be used to help autistic children develop social skills beyond their anticipated levels, suggest early findings from new research. Researchers have developed an interactive environment which uses multi-touch screen technology where virtual characters on the screen demonstrate gestures and show children's actions in real time. Fri, 21 Oct 2011 07:45:45 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111021074534.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020122315.htm It has been well-documented that minorities are subject to discrimination in product pricing and customer service. What is startling is the result of a new study that shows that sometimes ill treatment can make African-American consumers voluntarily pay more for goods and services than they would normally, as well as pay more than their Caucasian counterparts. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 12:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020122315.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020105916.htm Could a passing mood influence your financial portfolio for decades to come? Can impulses you inherited from your cave-man ancestors influence your financial decisions in the modern world in ways that may have lifelong consequences? In a word, yes. Researchers report new evidence that passing mood and deeply embedded human impulses can and do influence us as we make important financial decisions. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 10:59:59 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020105916.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020024129.htm In a new study, researchers reported that the average US adolescent is heavily exposed to alcohol brand references in popular music. Branded alcohol references are most common in rap, R&B, and hip hop songs, and they are commonly associated with a luxury lifestyle characterized by degrading sexual activity, wealth, partying, violence and the use of drugs. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 02:41:41 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020024129.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111019105514.htm What is more desirable: too little or too much spare time on your hands? To be happy, somewhere in the middle, according to researchers. New work shows that materialistic young people with compulsive buying issues need just the right amount of spare time to feel happier. Wed, 19 Oct 2011 10:55:55 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111019105514.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017171506.htm It is well-known that eating disorders are common among teens and college students. Heavy alcohol consumption is another well-known unhealthy habit of this age group. A new study shows that when college students combine these two unhealthy habits, their long-term health may be affected. "Drunkorexia" is a new term coined by the media to describe the combination of disordered eating and heavy alcohol consumption. Mon, 17 Oct 2011 17:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017171506.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017124346.htm People who view their car as an extension of themselves have stronger aggressive driving tendencies, according to a new study. Mon, 17 Oct 2011 12:43:43 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017124346.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111014080030.htm A new study of more than 440 technology entrepreneurs reveals that wealth does not necessarily bring happiness. According to new research, long-term employment growth in a new technology-based company correlates with the founder's satisfaction with their rising income, but is negatively related to their overall happiness. Fri, 14 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111014080030.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111013113816.htm A new US national study found that cultural and identity factors were more important than economic ones when considering men's feelings on fatherhood. Thu, 13 Oct 2011 11:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111013113816.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111013091350.htm Previous studies have found that health outcomes improve during an economic downturn. Job loss means less money available for potentially unhealthy behaviors such as excessive drinking, according to existing literature on employment and alcohol consumption. A new study has concluded just the opposite -- heavy drinking and alcohol abuse/dependence significantly increase as macroeconomic conditions deteriorate. Thu, 13 Oct 2011 09:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111013091350.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111013085237.htm New research confirms The Beatles' lyrical hypothesis and finds that "the kind of thing that money just can't buy" is a happy and stable marriage. Scholars studied 1,734 married couples across the United States. Each couple completed a relationship evaluation, part of which asked how much they value "having money and lots of things." Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:52:52 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111013085237.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111011154459.htm Good signage holds benefits for both businesses and their customers. But what qualifies as good signs? Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:44:44 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111011154459.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111011132058.htm It's no surprise to researchers that financial market dips and crashes typically happen in the fall. Researchers now show that people who experience seasonal depression shun financial risk-taking during seasons with diminished daylight but are more willing to accept risk in spring and summer. Seasonal depression may be sufficiently powerful to move financial markets. Tue, 11 Oct 2011 13:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111011132058.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111011112505.htm A new analysis of a survey of more than 100,000 North American households shows that signage plays a vital role in communicating with consumers, second only to television as a source of new-product information. Tue, 11 Oct 2011 11:25:25 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111011112505.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111007073151.htm Can parachuting help people with a gambling addiction? New research shows that extreme sport athletes have quite a lot in common with gamblers. Fri, 07 Oct 2011 07:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111007073151.htm