Decision-making Behavior Research Articles

The association between the knowledge, perception, and practice of dietary supplement among Chinese adults.

Rapid growth has been found in the market of dietary supplements (DSs) in China. However, studies about the knowledge level, intentions, and behavior related to DS remained limited in the Chinese population. This study aimed to explore the knowledge level, perception, and practice toward DS among Chinese adults. This is a cross-sectional design among 1,714 participants aged between 18 and 65 years. A total of 54.1% of participants reported purchasing supplements in the past 6 months. Knowledge levels were assessed with a score from 1 to 10 based on correct answers to 10 binary questions about supplements. Only 29.1% of participants answered seven or more questions correctly, while 7.9% answered three or fewer questions correctly. Participants with high and middle knowledge levels were more likely to seek medical advice when experiencing discomfort symptoms and were less likely to choose DS, with corresponding odd ratios (ORs) of 1.58 (95% CI: 1.16, 2.13) and 0.69 (95% CI: 0.52, 0.91) in high knowledge group and ORs of 1.36 (95% CI: 1.03, 1.80) and 0.96 (95% CI: 0.72, 1.30) in middle knowledge group (P for trend = 0.003 and 0.028, respectively). No significant differences were found in the motivation of DS use between knowledge levels. Although higher knowledge levels were associated with less spending on DS (OR high = 0.69; 95% CI: 0.49, 0.99; OR middle = 0.88; 95% CI: 0.64, 1.20; P for trend = 0.038), it did not guarantee better and more accurate awareness toward DS use. In conclusion, there is a growing demand for supplements among Chinese adults, but a significant gap between knowledge and behavior exists, affecting decision-making behaviors regarding DS.

Beyond risk preferences in sequential decision-making: How probability representation, sequential structure and choice perseverance bias optimal search

Sequential decision-making, where choices are made one after the other, is an important aspect of our daily lives. For example, when searching for a job, an apartment, or deciding when to buy or sell a stock, people often have to make decisions without knowing what future opportunities might arise. These situations, which are known as optimal stopping problems, involve a risk associated with the decision to either stop or continue searching. However, previous research has not consistently found a clear connection between individuals’ search behavior in these tasks and their risk preferences as measured in controlled experimental settings. In this paper, we explore how particular characteristics of optimal stopping tasks affect people’s choices, extending beyond their stable risk preferences. We find that (1) the way the underlying sampling distribution is presented (whether it is based on experience or description), (2) the sequential presentation of options, and (3) the unequal frequencies of choices to reject versus to accept significantly bias people choices. These results shed light on the complex nature of decisions that unfold sequentially and emphasize the importance of incorporating context factors when studying human decision behavior.

Game Theory and Dual Approach to the Dynamic Programming on the Example of the COVID‐19 Pandemic in Poland Described by Mathematical Model With Three‐Dose Vaccinated

ABSTRACTIn this paper, a new approach to the disease transmission dynamics of the COVID‐19 pandemic is presented, involving the use of game theory and dual dynamic programming. A new compartmental model that describes these dynamics is introduced. New classes have been added to this model to account for the portion of the population vaccinated with one dose, two doses, or three doses. Pandemic costs are also included. Time‐dependent parameters (strategies) are employed, allowing for the consideration of different behavior variants and decisions made by policymakers. Sufficient conditions for a dual ‐closed‐loop Nash equilibrium, are formulated in the form of a verification theorem. A numerical algorithm is constructed, and numerical simulations are performed. A comparison between real pandemic data for Poland and the data obtained from the model is made.

A Dynamic Game Analysis of Hospitals’ Quality-Improving and Congestion-Reducing with Corresponding Knowledge Accumulations Effects

In this paper, we develop a dynamic control to investigate the hospitals’ quality improvement and congestion reduction, along with corresponding knowledge accumulations. The main features of our work are: (i) developing a dynamic analysis model of the hospitals’ quality improvement and congestion reduction, considering knowledge accumulations in health care markets; (ii) the demand function for medical treatment depends on treatment quality, congestion degree, price, and traveling cost; (iii) each hospital’s instantaneous costs of quality improvement and congestion reduction depend on treatment quality, quality-improving investment, corresponding knowledge accumulation as well as congestion degree, congestion-reducing investment and the corresponding knowledge accumulation; (iv) the hospitals’ dynamic competitions are not only in treatment quality and congestion degree but also in treatment prices. Our results show that (i) there exists a unique saddle-stable steady-state equilibrium under hospital optimum and social optimum; (ii) knowledge accumulation and the complementarity or substitutability affect the hospitals’ decision behavior; (iii) whether the price and the hospitals’ investments in quality improvement and congestion reduction are higher or lower under hospital optimum than that under social optimum depends on the parameter regions of complementarity or substitutability.

The role of Pharmaceutical Marketing in Prescribing Decisions in a Developing Country: A Comprehensive Study Exploiting Theory of Planned Behaviour

Background: Prescription medicines have become a major component of health systems in both developed and developing countries contributing to, may be, more than half of the total health care expenditure in the developing countries. Although literature directly attributing rise in medicines expenditure to prescribers’ decision, but still only a few researches had employed studies with sound theoretical foundations to comprehensively examine prescribing decision behaviours. Our objective was to investigate potentially modifiable factors, which may influence prescribing decisions of physicians employing theory of planned behaviour. Method: A quantitative survey approach was used to investigate the proposed hypotheses. Population was physicians in outpatient clinics in both private and governmental hospitals in Sana’a, capital city of Yemen. A structured questionnaire was designed to measure the influence of drug-promoting marketing techniques on physicians’ prescribing decisions. Data was collected through an anonymous survey questionnaire. The hypotheses were tested by multiple regressions analysis. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethical Committee of the Ministry of Public Health and Population (MoPHP), and participants provided written consent before enrolling in the study. Result: Physicians admitted the presence of promotional influence on their prescribing decision. The study revealed that receiving low-value promotional items, belief of physicians that it is appropriate to accept both low- and high-value promotional items, physicians’ exposure to company-direct sources of information, and drug promotion-related factor all are positively and significantly related to physicians’ prescribing decisions (? = 0.438, p <0.001; ? = 0.089, p =0.027; ? = 0.157, p <0.001; ? = 0.093, p =0.032; and ?= 0.118, p = 0.007 respectively). Conclusion: This research clarified the role played by pharmaceutical companies to influence prescribing decisions of physicians. Therefore, could provide theoretical framework for policymakers in Yemen, and other countries with similar conditions, to develop a suitable policy and strategy in terms of drug promotion.

Learning goal orientation, empowering leadership and participative decisionmaking as predictors of expatriates’ postpandemic job performance

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the relationship between learning goal orientation, empowering leadership, participative decision-making and organizational citizen behavior and its effect on post-pandemic job performance within the expatriate UAE community. Design/methodology/approach The study proposes a theoretical model based on responses from survey data collected from 314 expatriates working in private sector organizations in Dubai, UAE. Findings The findings indicate that both learning goal orientation and participative decision-making have a significantly positive direct relationship with organizational citizenship. Furthermore, organizational citizenship is demonstrated to have a significant positive impact on job performance. However, the study reveals that there is no significant relationship between empowering leadership and organizational citizenship. Originality/value This study adds to extant expatriate management theory relating to international business by examining the effects that organizational citizenship behavior, learning goal orientation, empowering leadership and participative decision-making have on expatriates’ job performance.

Pulmonary nodules and the psychological harm they can cause: A scoping review

More than 1.6 million pulmonary nodules are diagnosed in the United States each year. Although the majority of nodules are found to be benign, nodule detection and the process of ruling out malignancy can cause patients psychological harm to varying degrees. The present study undertakes a scoping review of the literature investigating pulmonary nodule-related psychological harm as a primary or secondary outcome. Online databases were systematically searched to identify papers published through June 30, 2023, from which 19 publications were reviewed. We examined prevalence by type, measurement, associated factors, and behavioral or clinical consequences. Of the 19 studies reviewed, 11 studies investigated distress, anxiety (n = 6), and anxiety and depression (n = 4). Prevalence of distress was 24.0 %-56.7 %; anxiety 9.9 %-42.1 %, and 14.6 %-27.0 % for depression. A wide range of demographic and social characteristics and clinical factors were associated with nodule-related psychological harm. Outcomes of nodule-related harms included experiencing conflict when deciding about treatment or surveillance, decreased adherence to surveillance, adoption of more aggressive treatment, and lower health-related quality of life. Our scoping review demonstrates that nodule-related psychological harm is common. Findings provide evidence that nodule-related psychological harm can influence clinical decisions and adherence to treatment recommendations. Future research should focus on discerning between nodule-related distress and anxiety; identifying patients at risk; ascertaining the extent of psychological harm on patient behavior and clinical decisions; and developing interventions to assist patients in managing psychological harm for better health-related quality of life and treatment outcomes.

Practice makes perfect: Using the total cost of ownership to teach global locational decision making

In this paper we introduce a three-stage Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) experiential learning exercise. Using data collected from 199 students across eight different semesters, we offer hypotheses grounded in the eclectic theory of international production and in behavioral decision making (System 1 and System 2 thinking) to make recommendations for educators and managers. In part one of the exercise, using System 1 thinking, we asked students to select far-shoring (e.g., China) or near-shoring (e.g., Mexico) as a manufacturing location and provide rationale to support their decision. We found that students selecting far-shoring used resource- and efficiency-seeking criteria while students selecting near-shoring used strategic- and market-based criteria. In addition, we found that students were prone to possible availability bias. We identified demographic factors impacting the decision-making process, and highlighted important variables not utilized by students enabling us to recommend changes in college curriculums. In the second and third parts of the exercise, we asked students to reanalyze their decisions using Total Cost of Ownership (System 2 thinking) and then reflect on their pre and post TCO decisions. Interestingly, though unexpectedly, it was encouraging to see a considerable number of students either willing to change their perspective or provide citations or scholarly support as part of the reflection. Such an experiential learning intervention including reflection and documentation is an important exercise to build current and future supply chain managers who can adapt to a dynamic, complex, and global environment. Our study adds to the literature by demonstrating the role of bias in global sourcing decision making and ways to mitigate for it.

ANALYSIS OF FACTORS AFFECTING INVESTMENT DECISIONS WITH FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY AS AN INTERVENING VARIABLE AMONG STUDENTS OF THE INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY PELITA INDONESIA

The purpose of this study is to analyze the influence of financial literacy, self-efficacy and income on investment decisions, as well as whether Financial Technology is able to mediate the influence. The research contributes to the fields of financial behavior and investment decision-making by examining how Financial Literacy, Self-Efficacy, and Income impact students' investment decisions in an academic setting, with a particular focus on the mediating role of Financial Technology (Fintech). The data analysis technique used in this study was SEMPLS with the help of the SmartPLS application. The results of the test were as follows: (1) Financial literacy has a significant positive effect on the investment decisions of Pelita Indonesia students; (2) Self-efficiency had a positive and insignificant effect; and (3) Income had an insignificant positive effect; (4) Financial Technology mediates the effect of Financial literacy on the Investment Decisions of students; and (5) Financial Technology does not mediated the impact of Income on the decision of students. The findings could inform educational institutions and policymakers on how to improve financial literacy programs and support fintech adoption to foster better financial outcomes among students, potentially leading to more financially empowered and responsible young investors.

Integrated model of cerebellal supervised learning and basal ganglia’s reinforcement learning for mobile robot behavioral decision-making

Behavioral decision-making in unknown environments of mobile robots is a crucial research topic in robotics. Inspired by the working mechanism of different brain regions in mammals, this paper designed a new hybrid model integrating the functions of cerebellum and basal ganglia by simulating the memory replay of hippocampus, so as to realize the autonomous behavioral decision-making of robot in unknown environments. A reinforcement learning module based on Actor-Critic framework and a developmental network module are used to simulate the functions of the basal ganglia and cerebellum, respectively. Considering the different functions of D1 and D2 dopamine receptors in basal ganglia, an Actor network module with separate learning of positive and negative rewards is designed for the basal ganglia to realize efficient exploration of the environments by the agent. According to the characteristics of biological memory, a physiological memory priority index is designed for hippocampus memory replay, which improves the offline learning efficiency of cerebellum. The integrated model enables dynamic switching between decisions made by cerebellum and basal ganglia based on the agent’s cognitive level with respect to the environment. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed model is verified through experiments on agent navigation in both simulation and real environments, as well as through performance comparison experiments with other learning algorithms.

Individual decision styles as predictors for bias susceptibility and bias blind spots in managerial decisions

Purpose This paper aims to managerial decision styles, following the General Decision-Making Style Inventory, as potential predictors of individual bias awareness and bias blind spots, with a focus on the rational decision style. Design/methodology/approach The research is based on a survey of 50°C-1 level managers within Forbes 2000 companies. It explores their decision styles and their assessments of their own and others’ decision behavior. Findings The results show that the awareness of one’s own susceptibility to biases and bias blind spots is highly dependent on an individual’s (self-declared) decision style and type of cognitive bias; decision-makers with a strong tendency toward a rational or spontaneous decision style see themselves as less vulnerable to cognitive biases but also show a much stronger bias blind spot than those with a tendency toward other decision styles. Meanwhile, decision-makers with a strong tendency toward an intuitive decision style tend to recognize their own vulnerability to cognitive biases and even show a negative blind spot, thus seeing themselves as more affected by cognitive biases than others. Originality/value To date, decision styles have not been used as a lens through which to view susceptibility to cognitive biases and bias blind spots in managerial decision-making. As demonstrated in this article, decision styles can serve as predictors of individual awareness and susceptibility to cognitive biases and bias blind spots for managers.

A Study on the Correlation between Danmaku Videos and Audiences’ Repetitive Viewing Behaviours - A Case Study of Bilibili Danmaku Video Network Videos

With the rise of online video platforms, Danmaku videos have steadily gained popularity among young people. Danmaku’s instantaneous, synchronous, targeted, and cumulative features offer viewers a novel viewing experience, improve the social and interactive aspects of video views, and even impact the frequency with which users watch videos again. As a popular video website at present, Bilibili provides rich video content for audiences and supports the Danmaku function. This study targets Bilibili Danmaku videos and focuses on how Danmaku videos affect the audience’s viewing motivation and experience as the research theme. Descriptive statistics and result analysis were utilized in this study to investigate the reasons behind repeat viewing and the effect of the Danmaku on the viewing experience. Questionnaires were employed to gather viewing data from video audiences in the Bilibili life division. According to the findings of the study, Danmaku greatly improves the overall viewing experience for viewers as well as their enjoyment of the show and sense of community. The study concludes that Danmaku facilitates the audience’s behavioral decisions of repetitive viewing to a certain extent. This study provides an empirical analysis to explore the role of Danmaku in video viewing behavior and makes strategic recommendations for video platforms to improve user experience and foster community engagement.

Research on the Influence of Anchor Influence on Consumers' Purchase Intention in Live Broadcast Room under the Background of Interest E-commerce

In the emerging shopping mode of interest e-commerce live streaming, anchors are the key factors influencing consumers' purchase intentions, and their personal characteristics and behaviors have a significant impact on consumer decision-making. Based on the stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) model, this study constructed a structural equation model under the framework of influencer marketing theory to explore the internal mechanism between the various dimensions of anchor influence, consumer trust and identity, and its impact on consumers' purchase decision-making behavior. The results show that in different confidence intervals, the five dimensions of anchors' professionalism, interactivity, authenticity, popularity and innovation can significantly enhance consumers' trust and identity, and then significantly improve consumers' purchase intention. In addition, consumers' trust and recognition play a mediating role between the influence of anchors and consumers' purchase intentions. This study can enrich the theoretical discussion of consumer behavior decision-making in the live streaming environment of interest e-commerce, and provide a strategic reference for e-commerce anchors and interest e-commerce platforms.

The Spiraling Cognitive-Emotional Brain: Combinatorial, Reciprocal, and Reentrant Macro-organization.

This article proposes a framework for understanding the macro-scale organization of anatomical pathways in the mammalian brain. The architecture supports flexible behavioral decisions across a spectrum of spatio-temporal scales. The proposal emphasizes the combinatorial, reciprocal, and reentrant connectivity-called CRR neuroarchitecture-between cortical, BG, thalamic, amygdala, hypothalamic, and brainstem circuits. Thalamic nuclei, especially midline/intralaminar nuclei, are proposed to act as hubs routing the flow of signals between noncortical areas and pFC. The hypothalamus also participates in multiregion circuits via its connections with cortex and thalamus. At slower timescales, long-range behaviors integrate signals across levels of the neuroaxis. At fast timescales, parallel engagement of pathways allows urgent behaviors while retaining flexibility. Overall, the proposed architecture enables context-dependent, adaptive behaviors spanning proximate to distant spatio-temporal scales. The framework promotes an integrative perspective and a distributed, heterarchical view of brain function.

The impact of widely used algorithms of large language models on information retrieval and the associated potential risks

Thesis. The aim of this work is to perform an analysis concerning the subject of arti- ficial intelligence integration and its application in modern knowledge acquisition. The article will be an overview of scientific research and papers to raise a discussion of the ad- vantages and potential hazards associated with the widespread implementation of large language models. Concept. The main part of the article will focus on describing the AI enhanced tools available on the market and common ways of utilising them. This knowledge will be jux- taposed with psychological research on human consciousness in the context of decision- making, creativity, and held beliefs to list potential threads related. Results. The analysis of tools that have recently been enhanced with algorithms un- equivocally indicates the dominance of the sector providing informational and creative support. These tools possess a measurably high level of reliability among the public, re- sulting in a reduced number of verification actions. A review of existing literature and research on human psychology shows a very strong correlation between the influence of previous social authorities on decision-making behaviour and an uncritical approach to information obtained through AI. Studies have shown that access to these tools, without proper controlling actions of results, exposes users to bias, manipulation, or susceptibility to marketing activities. Alternatively, with proper and rational use of these implemented algorithms, humans are able to obtain extraordinarily precise and knowledge-based sup- port in decision-making. Similar polarisations of results have been observed in the con- text of creativity, innovation, and inquisitiveness. Originality. The article addresses topics that relate to the psychological nature of hu- mans in the context of new and expanded AI augmented tools. The results of the explora- tory study clearly indicate that programmes supported by algorithms show potential in terms of both scientific and social development. Unfortunately, they also present many potential dangers for both, which, discussed in the foundation, provide the groundwork for more in-depth research.

The social ledger: qualitatively decoding interaction-driven investment decisions among Indian investors and fund managers

Purpose This study aims to investigate the antecedents of social interaction among Indian retail investors and fund managers to understand how these factors influence investment decisions. By identifying and examining these antecedents, the study aims to shed light on the social dynamics that shape investment behavior in the Indian financial market. Design/methodology/approach The researchers have mainly adopted an interpretive strategy for the present study. Qualitative data elicited through semistructured interviews with six retail investors and two fund managers were subjected to qualitative thematic analysis. Findings Our research found several factors that make Indian retail investors and fund managers connect and make financial decisions. Peers can improve a person’s investing performance through social facilitation, and discussing investment suggestions and lessons learned can affect a group’s investment behavior. Social norms also influenced investors’ financial decisions, demonstrating compliance. Investor closeness increased information sharing. Finally, the fear of missing out (FOMO), a psychological phenomenon where people fear missing out on rewarding experiences, encouraged social engagement as investors sought appealing prospects. Research limitations/implications The researchers interviewed eight carefully selected interviewees across the divide between retail investors and fund managers. Adopting other grouping criteria, conducting a focus group discussion with more respondents or adopting a mixed-methods approach may increase our understanding of the investment decision behaviors of Indian retail investors and fund managers. Practical implications The findings have far-reaching consequences, from deepening our knowledge of investors’ motivations and actions to directing individual savers, informing the development of financial literacy initiatives, influencing fund management practices and inspiring additional research in this study area. Originality/value This research, including retail investors and fund managers, significantly contributes to the literature on investment decisions and behavioral finance, particularly in the context of Indian investors and managers. This study’s unique perspective and comprehensive approach make it a valuable addition to the field, sparking interest and further exploration among academics, practitioners and investors alike.

A Comparison of Financial Risk-Tolerance Assessment Methods in Predicting Subsequent Risk Tolerance and Future Portfolio Choices

This study explores the effectiveness of various methods for measuring risk tolerance, with the aim to better understand the risk-taking attitudes and behaviors of financial decision-makers. Using data collected between October 2020 and March 2021, the research investigates three key areas: (a) the stability of risk tolerance over a six-month period, (b) the individual and household characteristics that predict future risk tolerance, and (c) the predictive accuracy of various risk-tolerance assessment methods in relation to portfolio choices made by financial decision-makers. The results show that risk-tolerance scores derived from a psychometrically developed scale provide the most accurate insights into future risk-taking attitudes and portfolio decisions. For those looking for a simple way to assess both current and future risk tolerance and portfolio choices, a stated-preference item can be effective. Although less consistent, a revealed-preference test can also be used to predict risk tolerance and risk-taking behavior. Findings provide guidance for financial decision-makers and financial advisors by comparing the key features of the three primary risk-tolerance assessment methods evaluated in this study. The study also establishes a foundational basis for selecting the most appropriate evaluation approach, based on the variables identified in the findings.

Research on Online Games and Social Interaction

This paper delves into the central position of online games in contemporary society and their close relationship with social interaction. With the popularity of the Internet, online games have become one of the most important ways of leisure and social communication. The study outlines the development of MMOs, from their origins to their diverse classifications, and in particular how their unique social characteristics facilitate interactions between players. Through theoretical analysis combined with social exchange theory and symbolic interaction theory, this paper reveals the mechanisms of social interactions in MMOs, including inter-player exchanges, cooperation and competition, and explores how these interactions profoundly affect players' gaming experience and behavioural decisions. Further, this paper analyses the trend of convergence between online games and social networks, and how this convergence enhances the social attributes and player engagement of games. At the same time, the paper also focuses on the social problems that online games may bring, such as Internet addiction and social disorders, cyberbullying, etc., and looks forward to the impact of technological advances on future social interaction patterns. Finally, the paper summarises the potential and challenges faced by online games in promoting healthy social interactions, and puts forward suggestions for future research with a view to promoting the healthy development of the field of online games and social interactions.

Influence of information credibility of Instagram posts on tourist decision-making behaviour

This research tries to identify the influence of Instagram posts on the decision-making behaviour of tourists. Social media plays a pivotal role in today’s travel and tourism environment. It also determines how people perceive and choose a destination. Social media acts as a platform for people to discuss and share about travel adventures, providing detailed information that can widely influence the decision-making process among visitors. Response to social media sharing and information credibility are the independent variables. Prior knowledge and tourist decision-making are the dependent variables. The research also studies the moderating role of the authenticity of social media posts in shaping tourists' responses and choices. An online survey was conducted to collect primary data from 511 Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) respondents. The sampling design adopted was stratified random sampling. Analysis of moment structures (AMOS) was used to analyse the quantitative data collected. A structural equation modelling approach was used to analyse the data. The study reveals that Instagram and other platforms transform intangible aspects of destinations into tangible experiences, enriching tourists' knowledge. Influencers and user-generated content play a crucial role in decision-making. The authenticity of the post plays a crucial role in shaping the tourist’s decision-making process.

Methods to Stimulate the Proactivity of Enterprises in Fulfilling Safety Responsibilities: A Fundamental Issue in Construction Safety Management

Management factors are among the most significant causes of construction safety incidents, and there is an issue of insufficient supervision at present. The degree of diligence exhibited by relevant entities is crucial, and the payoff can influence the decision-making behaviors of involved parties. Based on this, the aim of this paper is to investigate how to enhance the initiative of enterprises in fulfilling their safety responsibilities during the construction process. By developing a tripartite evolutionary game model that involves supervision companies, general contractors, and labor subcontractors and conducting numerical simulation analysis, we reveal that simultaneous proactive investment in safety by all three parties is challenging, with labor subcontractors being relatively more prone to opt for active safety investment. Supervision companies and general contractors often struggle to fulfill their safety duties at the same time. Factors such as the rewards and penalties stipulated in a contract, rent-seeking amounts, and accident-related losses have a significant impact on the evolution of the system. Based on the findings, we propose recommendations for construction management, which include the management of labor subcontracting in construction, the control of rent-seeking behaviors, and the establishment of a cooperative safety culture during the construction process.