A Research Starting Point for the New Scholar: A Unique Perspective of Behavioral Finance

Abstract

The first time this author became aware of behavioral finance was in June 1998. At that point in time, there was no apparent or precise source of information for a new scholar interested in the field to select as a research starting point. For new scholars in the field, it was my intention by writing this paper to provide a research starting point and inspire them to conduct research in this field. The author of this paper provides the reader with a discussion concerning the discipline of behavioral finance with the new scholar in mind. Behavioral finance investigates the cognitive factors and emotional issues that individuals, financial experts, and traders exhibit within the securities markets. Upon examination, the literature reveals behavioral finance is based on the notion of interdisciplinary research from a wide range of fields. Therefore, there is a presentation of the substantive nature of the interdisciplinary philosophy as well as the value and strong contributions this type of discipline borrowing could have within academic finance. Lastly, the author provides an extensive catalog of the concepts, and books by behavioral finance scholars as well as a sample of influential papers and dissertations.