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Behavioural Insights
Thoughtful analysis of how psychology shapes financial behaviour, spending habits, and long term decision making, translating academic research into practical insights that help individuals make smarter, more intentional financial choices.
Good Behavioural Science is Boring Behavioural Science
Michael’s manifesto, as well as others’ and my reply to it, have highlighted the fact that there are some things wrong with behavioural...
Merle van den Akker
May 18, 20235 min read
Things in Behavioural Science that make little to no Sense
I love behavioural science. I mean, sunk cost fallacy dictates I must, as a behavioural scientist. However, a good behavioural scientist,...
Merle van den Akker
May 4, 20235 min read
Behaviourally Informed Career Advice for Women
Entering the field of behavioural science, or any field really, is not the same for a woman as it is for a man. Working is different for...
Merle van den Akker
Apr 20, 20237 min read
The Systems that Keep Behavioural Science from Progressing - a Reply to BIT's Manifesto
Not too long ago Michael Hallsworth published his Manifesto for Applying Behavioural Science. In it, he mentions 10 common criticisms of...
Merle van den Akker
Apr 13, 20238 min read
My Most Asked Questions About Behavioural Science (part 2)
In the previous article I addressed some frequently asked questions about moving into behavioural science and whether you need a (PhD)...
Merle van den Akker
Apr 6, 20234 min read
My Most Asked Questions About Behavioural Science (part 1)
As I’ve chosen to run most of my social media platforms as a promoter of behavioural science, I can’t be too surprised when people reach...
Merle van den Akker
Mar 30, 20235 min read
No Default Is Also a Default
As soon as you try to change a system there will be resistance. People don’t like change; they are novelty averse, risk averse (the new...
Merle van den Akker
Feb 23, 20235 min read
Book Review: How Economics Can Save The World
I don’t normally write book reviews on this blog. I have written articles mentioning books I think are a good starting point for getting...
Merle van den Akker
Feb 2, 20233 min read
Approaching Debt: Financially and Behaviourally.
Most New Year’s resolutions have a financial element to them. The most popular one? Debt reduction. If you’ve got one debt your approach...
Merle van den Akker
Jan 26, 20234 min read
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