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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.


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


Women & Finance
In collaboration with ING eZonomics, I have written an article about women in finance. The article outlines how many women tend to leave...

Merle van den Akker
Aug 30, 20181 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


First Year PhD Review
I promised to answer questions on the blog as well. And no question was as popular as my honest opinion on my first year of the PhD, as I...

Merle van den Akker
Aug 25, 20187 min read


Not that Selfish after all...
The homo economicus is selfish. He does not give to others. But how about the actual human being? Are we that selfish? My dear friend...

Merle van den Akker
Aug 24, 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
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