The Value of Psychological Flexibility During a Pandemic

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The good news is that psychological flexibility is a skill, and, like any skill, it can be improved with practice over time. The COVID-19 pandemic, and our response to it, has foisted considerable uncertainty into the personal and professional…

Misbehaving: The Making of Behavioral Economics

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What do economics, psychology, and experimental science have in common? As Richard Thaler implies in Misbehaving: The making of behavioral economics, most economists would say little to none — but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Misbehaving is, first and foremost, a story of how modern economics, finance, and theoretical analysis have become increasingly specialized and narrow without substantial practical value. Utilizing empirical studies and anecdotes, funny stories, and even some jokes, Thaler persuades the reader that behavioral studies — or psychology-motivated disciplines which focus on humans, not mythical rational agents — are here to stay. 

Thaler’s findings have numerous and far-reaching implications for designing and implementing ethical systems within organizations. Read our book review and learn more.

Mindwise: How We Understand What Others Think, Believe, Feel, and Want

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Mindwise: How We Understand What Others Think, Believe, Feel, and Want by Nicholas Epley Knopf, Borzoi Books (2014) Summarized by Bryan Turner   Mindwise: How We Understand What Others Think, Believe, Feel, and Want is a book…
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Nudge

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Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness Richard H. Thaler, Cass R. Sunstein Penguin Books, Revised & Expanded edition (2009) (public library) Summarized by Erick Rabin Introduction Choice Architecture involves…
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Give and Take

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Give and Take: A Revolutionary Approach to Success by Adam Grant Penguin Group (2013) (public library) Summarized by Joshua Elle Overview Adam Grant combines personal accounts and contemporary research, both made readily accessible, to build…
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Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard

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Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard by Chip Heath and Dan Heath Crown Business, 1st Ed. (2010) (public library) Summarized by Jennifer Fang Overview Change is difficult, or so most people believe. Switch identifies the crucial…

The Lucifer Effect

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The Lucifer Effect: Understanding How Good People Turn Evil by Philip Zimbardo Random House Publishing Group, 1st Ed. Reprint (2008) (public library) Summarized by Joshua Elle Overview In a compelling story of his own life's journey, Phil…

Contextual Influences

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When we see someone doing something bad, we usually jump to the conclusion that the person is bad. Only later, if ever, do we consider the broader context—the social situation—which can strongly influence people’s behavior. Many of…