Center for Decision Research
Positioned at the forefront of behavioral science, the Center for Decision Research is devoted to the study of how individuals form judgments and make decisions. Researchers at the center examine the processes by which intuition, reasoning, and social interaction produce beliefs, judgments, and choices. Understanding how and why people make decisions has important applications in a range of contexts, including management, marketing, finance, and public policy.
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Marianne Bertrand Elected to National Academy of Sciences
Professor Marianne Bertrand is among the five University of Chicago scholars recently elected to the National Academy of Sciences in “recognition of their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research.”
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Register Now: Think Better with Katy Milkman
The Think Better speaker series returns May 20 with award-winning behavioral scientist Katy Milkman (Wharton), who will share stories and insights from her new book, "How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be."
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CDR FACULTY PARTNER WITH YOUNG SCHOLARS FOR LEADERSHIP ALLIANCE PROGRAM
This summer, the CDR will welcome seven outstanding rising scholars as part of the Leadership Alliance’s Summer Research Early Identification Program (SR-EIP). Meet the students who join us to conduct independent research projects under the guidance of CDR faculty mentors.
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CDR LAUNCHES INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH PARTNERSHIP WITH ASHOKA UNIVERSITY
The CDR recently launched a promising new partnership with Ashoka University’s Delhi-based Centre for Social and Behaviour Change that will enable both institutions to conduct innovative cross-cultural research, field-test behavioral interventions, and more.
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Webinar: Think Better with Ayelet Fishbach
On Wednesday, February 17, Chicago Booth's Ayelet Fishbach presented her talk "Stay Motivated" exploring the behavioral science behind effective goal-setting and motivation. The recap and recording are now available.
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Apply Now: Thaler-Tversky Independent Research Grant
The CDR is now accepting submissions for the spring round of the Thaler-Tversky Independent Research Grant program for emerging scholars. Applications are due by April 1, 2021. UChicago PhD students and postdoctoral researchers interested in behavioral science are encouraged to apply.
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Webinar: "Think Better" with Todd Rogers
On Wednesday, November 19, behavioral scientist Todd Rogers presented his Think Better talk, "Fewer Words, Please" about harnessing the science of attention to communicate effectively in daily life.
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George Wu Receives Chicago Urban League Humanitarian Award
Chicago Booth Professor George Wu was recently named the recipient of the 2020 Chicago Urban League Humanitarian Award for his work as a key architect of the Urban League's IMPACT Leadership Development Program.
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CDR Lab Director Becky White Wins Booth Impact Award
CDR Lab Director Dr. Becky White was awarded a 2020 Booth Impact Award for her exceptional leadership of the center's research staff and data collection efforts. Read more about Dr. White and the innovative projects that merited this well-deserved award.
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CDR Welcomes Two New Faculty Members
The CDR is pleased to announce Professors Alex Imas and Alexander Todorov will be joining the center in the 2020-2021 academic year.
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Webinar: "Think Better" with Dolly Chugh
Award-winning social psychologist Dolly Chugh (NYU) and Chicago Booth's Jane Risen explore unconscious biases and how to stand up for equality, diversity, and inclusion in our turbulent world.
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Research Highlights: Racism, Prejudice, Stereotyping, and Intergroup Relations
A collection of CDR faculty research on issues including stereotyping, racial bias in algorithmic decision making, how implicit biases influence use of force, humanizing those with disagree with, bridging ethnic divides, and more.
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A message from Dean Rajan on the death of George Floyd and other racially motivated events
Chicago Booth Dean Madhav Rajan issued a statement affirming the school’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, and rejection of racism.
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Just Launched: PIMCO Decision Research Virtual Lab
Due to COVID-19, the CDR's in-person labs are temporarily closed, so we moved our behavioral science research online. Find out how the labs are adapting and how you can take paid research studies from the comfort and safety of home.
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Webinar: The Surprising Power of Social Connection
How can we stay emotionally connected while social distancing? In this webinar, Prof. Nicholas Epley explores the science behind meaningful social interactions.
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COVID-19 and CDR Operations
Along with the entire UChicago community, the CDR continues to closely follow the evolving situation with coronavirus (COVID-19). In accordance with University guidance and to prioritize safety, the CDR has suspended lab operations and postponed events originally scheduled for spring 2020.
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Think Better with Adam Alter
On Wednesday, February 19, the CDR welcomed Adam Alter, associate professor of marketing at NYU's Stern School of Business, for his talk on the behavioral science behind our obsession with screens. Read the event recap and watch the full video.
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Nicholas Epley Partners With BBC to Replicate Groundbreaking Study
CDR faculty director Nicholas Epley found that in both the U.S. and the U.K., when commuters talk with strangers on public transportation, both people report feeling happier.
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Research Highlights, 2013–2018
Highlights from the work of CDR Researchers. The articles here were originally published in the Chicago Booth Review, which publishes research-driven insights on business, policy, and markets.
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A Partnership to Guide Wiser Decision-Making
In the fall of 2018, PIMCO and the CDR announced a partnership in support of CDR’s behavioral science research. In recognition of this investment in research, Chicago Booth’s CDR laboratories were renamed the PIMCO Decision Research Laboratories.
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