Behavioral
A Simple Thumbs Up or Down Eliminates Racial Bias in Online Ratings
Yale SOM’s Tristan Botelho and his co-authors found that the ubiquitous five-star rating system could subtly propagate discrimination. But they also found a surprisingly simple fix: switching to a two-point scale (thumbs up or thumbs down) eliminated subtle racial bias in customer ratings of gig workers.

Does Automatic Enrollment into Retirement Plans Hurt Household Finances?
When companies automatically enroll employees in retirement plans, the employees save more money for their later years. But the extra savings may exact a pre-retirement toll on their finances.
How Do Investors Respond to Uncertainty?
Conventional wisdom says that uncertainty is bad for markets. But Yale SOM’s Stefano Giglio and his co-authors found that investors are willing to pay a premium to protect themselves only against actual market volatility, not mere uncertainty.
Three Questions: Prof. Nathan Novemsky on Gifts and Resolutions
Yale’s Nathan Novemsky explains how to use behavioral research to give better gifts and follow through on New Year’s resolutions.
Three Questions: Prof. Michael Kraus on Giving to Charity
We asked Yale SOM’s Michael Kraus, a social psychologist who studies how people work together, what motivates charitable giving—and what factors stop us from giving.
Three Questions: Prof. Zoe Chance on Responses to Sexual Harassment
Women around the world are sharing their experiences with workplace sexual harassment and abuse. Professor Zoë Chance explains the research on the subject and suggests ways that both women and male allies can take action to create lasting change.
Listeners Glean Emotions Better from Voice-Only Communications
A new study suggests that simple phone calls might be sufficient for bringing together far-flung colleagues.
Why Consumers Prefer Products Made by Mistake
New research by Professor Taly Reich and her collaborators suggests that revealing mistakes in designing or manufacturing a product can enhance consumer preference.
How Fair Is American Society?
Americans tend to be overly optimistic about economic equality between white and black citizens, according to a new study by Yale researchers.
Seniors Aren’t Learning to Choose Better Prescription Insurance Plans
Seniors picking prescription plans through Medicare Part D often aren’t choosing the plans that offer the best value.
What Do We Learn from Our Networks?
Yale's Nicholas A. Christakis on how ideas and behaviors spread through networks, and how leaders can shape networks to make their organizations happier and more effective.