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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.


Where are they now?
I have been quite vocal about how much I loved the MSc Behavioural and Economic Science. I have written multiple articles, recommending...

Merle van den Akker
Mar 21, 20194 min read


Where is Neuroeconomics going? (2/2)
Elliot Ludvig is an associate professor in the psychology department of the University of Warwick, who coordinates the MSc Behavioural...

Merle van den Akker
Mar 18, 20196 min read


How Do You Become a Neuroeconomist? (1/2)
Elliot Ludvig is an associate professor in the psychology department of the University of Warwick, who coordinates the MSc Behavioural...

Merle van den Akker
Mar 14, 20198 min read


Brain vs. Brand
Economics assumes we know our preferences, and our actions reflect those. Behavioural economics is not convinced we know our preferences,...

Merle van den Akker
Mar 11, 20194 min read


Debunking "Neuroscience"
I previously wrote an article talking about neuro nonsense, alerting you to the fact that not all (neuro)science is good (neuro)science....

Merle van den Akker
Mar 7, 20197 min read


Neuro Nonsense
Neuroscience is cool. It just is. It is amazing. Uncovering the secrets of the brain. Reveling in its power and complexity. Seeing how...

Merle van den Akker
Mar 4, 20194 min read


Getting rid of Stress Build-up: Cortisol Explained
In my previous article I explained how not all stress is bad for you. When experiencing short-term stress, our adrenaline levels go up,...

Merle van den Akker
Feb 28, 20195 min read


How to make Stress Work: Adrenaline Explained
Stress seems to be the most common denominator that we have with each other. We all experience stress, very likely on a daily basis. Our...

Merle van den Akker
Feb 25, 20194 min read


Are you Happy yet? Serotonin Explained
In my last article about oxytocin I mentioned that increasing the release and uptake of this hormone turned neurotransmitter helps combat...

Merle van den Akker
Feb 21, 20196 min read
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