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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.
Does Price Signal Quality?
The higher the price, the better the quality of whatever you’re getting. This seems a complete fact to most people. Of course the phone...
Merle van den Akker
Sep 11, 20185 min read
A Toolbox for Rationality
I have no time, no energy, don’t care enough and am stressed out of my mind. Are you surprised my decision wasn’t optimal?! We make many...
Merle van den Akker
Sep 9, 20185 min read
Beerhavioural Science
At Warwick University the Behavioural Science group, which is spread over three different departments (WBS, WMG and Psychology), likes to...
Merle van den Akker
Sep 3, 20185 min read
How to get Addicted
I have outlined the dangers of sugar: it is an addictive substance with actual withdrawal symptoms. I have also explained the...
Merle van den Akker
Aug 31, 20186 min read
Sugar Tax
On April 6th 2018 the Sugar Tax was introduced in the UK to decrease the amount of sugar consumption. The tax was mainly introduced to...
Merle van den Akker
Aug 29, 20185 min read
The Need for Impact
In my previous post I outlined the theory of Maslow: how several needs drive our motivation. In this article I am going to explain how...
Merle van den Akker
Aug 27, 20185 min read
If Needs Must
Have you ever asked yourself what you really need from life? Or what it is that drives you to get out of bed. What makes you go to work...
Merle van den Akker
Aug 26, 20184 min read
Are you a Sheep?
A woman in Kew Gardens, Queens was stalked and stabbed multiple times. She screamed for help for over half an hour, 38 people were...
Merle van den Akker
Aug 23, 20184 min read
Bad Social Comparison
In my previous post I wrote about social comparison and how it can affect happiness and utility quite directly. I then also mentioned...
Merle van den Akker
Aug 9, 20185 min read
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