Journal of Business Research2026
An investigation of financial and relational approaches in family firm acquisitions
No abstract available.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
voxvoro
Consumer behavior research, curated.
chronological Feed
Journal of Business Research2026
Building resilience for social enterprises: An fsQCA analysis based on the institutional bricolage perspective
No abstract available.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Journal of Business Research2026
Is distance dead in the digital age? firm digitalization and spatial knowledge acquisition
No abstract available.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Journal of Business Research2026
Synchronous technology-mediated service experience: conceptualization, scale development, and validation
No abstract available.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Management Science2026
The Effects of Generative AI on High-Skilled Work: Evidence from Three Field Experiments with Software Developers
This research demonstrates a significant productivity boost for software developers using generative AI coding assistants. Across three large-scale field experiments, developers utilizing the AI tool completed approximately twenty-six percent more tasks.
Researchers conducted randomized controlled trials at Microsoft, Accenture, and a Fortune 100 company, integrating an AI-based coding assistant into the workflows of nearly five thousand developers. The study analyzed task completion rates, comparing developers with and without access to the AI tool, and accounted for varying levels of developer experience.
These findings suggest that generative AI has the potential to substantially improve software development efficiency, particularly for those earlier in their careers. Wider adoption of such tools could lead to faster innovation and reduced development costs within the technology sector.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Management Science2026
Managerial Intervention, Employee Motivation, and Collaboration
This research reveals that managerial intervention doesn’t *always* demotivate employees as traditionally thought; it can actually *increase* motivation when the manager’s effort and the employee’s effort work together. The study challenges the idea that delegation is universally motivational, suggesting that collaborative work requires a more nuanced understanding of managerial practices.
The researchers developed a principal-agent model – a standard economic tool – to analyze the motivational effects of managerial intervention, considering scenarios where intervention either wastes or complements employee effort. This model allowed them to mathematically determine the conditions under which intervention boosts or hinders an agent’s motivation.
These findings highlight the importance of ‘strategic complementarity’—how well different efforts align—in determining the effectiveness of management styles. Understanding this dynamic is crucial for businesses aiming to implement motivational practices that truly resonate with their employees and foster collaborative environments.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Management Science2026
Choosing Outcomes-Based Reimbursement Policies: Should We Worry About Collusion?
This research demonstrates that the vulnerability of outcomes-based reimbursement systems to illegal collusion hinges on whether physician income increases with patient volume; systems like the US fee-for-service model are particularly susceptible. The study further identifies that population-level capitation contracts with individual providers represent a theoretically optimal approach to incentivizing positive outcomes.
Researchers developed a game-theoretic model examining a chronic care pathway within a two-tier healthcare system to assess collusion risks under varying reimbursement policies. They then utilized theoretical analysis alongside numerical results, calibrated with diabetes pathway data, to evaluate impacts on health, costs, and system efficiency.
These findings emphasize the critical role of incentive design in preventing collusion within outcomes-based reimbursement schemes and highlight the need for legal frameworks addressing such behaviors. The study suggests that systems like the UK’s NHS, lacking volume-based physician income, are inherently more resistant to collusion, offering valuable lessons for healthcare policy.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Management Science2026
Credit Rating Purchases and S&P 500 Index Membership Decisions
This research demonstrates that the composition of the S&P 500 index is not solely determined by objective criteria, revealing a degree of discretionary influence in membership decisions. Specifically, companies that purchase ratings from S&P Global are significantly more likely to be included in the index.
Researchers analyzed S&P 500 membership decisions, correlating them with firm purchases of ratings from both S&P and Moody’s. An event study focused on a 2002 rule change further supported these findings, revealing increased ratings purchases around index openings.
These results raise important governance concerns regarding the objectivity of a widely used benchmark for capital market sentiment and economic uncertainty, suggesting potential conflicts of interest in index construction.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Food Quality and Preference2026
Beliefs versus environmental awareness: an extension of the theory of planned behavior to explore young consumers’ intentions toward insect flour-based pasta
No abstract available.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Food Quality and Preference2026
Cross-country differences in consumer acceptance and advocacy of novel food technologies
No abstract available.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Food Quality and Preference2026
Message framing in communications on the consumption and production of sustainable seafood: The significance of negative emotions
This research demonstrates that both positive and negative message framing can effectively increase willingness to pay for sustainable seafood and support for sustainable fishing policies, largely driven by eliciting negative emotions like anger, worry, or sadness. Interestingly, negative framing also generated some policy support through positive emotions, highlighting a complex emotional response.
Researchers conducted an online experiment with seven hundred and seven participants from the Norwegian public, randomly assigning them to read messages framed differently in terms of valence (positive versus negative) and perspective (general versus personal). The study then analyzed the effects of these message frames on reported willingness to pay and support for sustainable fishing policies.
These findings suggest that framing sustainable fishing messages to evoke emotional responses – even negative ones – can be a powerful tool for promoting sustainable seafood choices and garnering public support for relevant policies. Message effectiveness relies more on the emotions generated than the specific framing approach used.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Food Quality and Preference2026
Increasing food safety and sustainability: consumer acceptance toward cold plasma-treated red berries
No abstract available.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Journal of Consumer Behaviour2026
Sustainable Luxury in the New Age of Algorithm: Influence Mechanism of Algorithm on Sustainable Luxury Consumption
This research demonstrates that social algorithms—those leveraging peer influence—are more effective than content-based algorithms in driving consumer willingness to purchase sustainable luxury goods, with perceived control acting as a key mediating factor. Algorithmic transparency and certainty further influence this relationship, moderating how algorithm type impacts consumption decisions.
Researchers employed a mixed-methods approach, conducting four studies using both questionnaire surveys and experimental designs to investigate the impact of different algorithmic recommendation types on consumer behavior. Data analysis focused on identifying the roles of perceived control, algorithmic transparency, and recommendation certainty in shaping willingness to consume sustainable luxury items.
These findings support the growing consumer demand for environmentally responsible products and offer both theoretical insights and practical strategies for luxury brands aiming to embrace sustainability. By understanding how algorithms influence consumers, businesses can better tailor recommendations to promote ethical and sustainable consumption patterns.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Journal of Consumer Behaviour2026
Sweet Spot or Sour Note: Mapping the Curvilinear Effects of <scp>AI</scp> and Gamification on Consumer Engagement
This research reveals that the relationship between AI/gamification features and consumer engagement isn't straightforward; it follows an inverted U-shape, but *only* when users are experiencing high psychological vulnerability—a state the authors term the “Alienation zone”. Outside of this vulnerable state, the impact of these features is weaker or different.
The study employed a mixed-methods approach, starting with Natural Language Processing to categorize digital platforms, followed by Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze survey data from four hundred participants. Response Surface Methodology was then used to understand the nuanced relationships between platform features, psychological vulnerability, and engagement.
These findings suggest that platform managers shouldn't rely on universal strategies for AI and gamification. Instead, they should calibrate features based on the psychological state of their users, recognizing that overly intense engagement tactics can be counterproductive when users are already feeling vulnerable.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Journal of Consumer Behaviour2026
Influence of E‐Commerce Usability, Consumer Happiness, and Satisfaction on Purchase Intentions in Fashion Retail
This research demonstrates that usability, satisfaction, and consumer happiness all significantly impact a fashion consumer’s intention to make a purchase online. The study highlights the particularly crucial role of emotional factors – satisfaction and happiness – in driving purchase decisions.
Researchers employed a mixed-methods approach, beginning with a survey of 471 consumers and developing a structural equation model to assess relationships between usability, values, and purchase intention. This was followed by in-depth interviews with 18 e-commerce experts to provide qualitative context.
These findings suggest that online fashion retailers should prioritize not only the functional usability of their platforms, but also actively cultivate positive emotional experiences for consumers. Focusing on both ease of use and consumer well-being can demonstrably boost purchase intentions and contribute to business success.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Journal of Consumer Behaviour2026
Impact of Sustainability‐Themed Weddings on Consumer Shopping Behavior: Examining the Role of Social Influence, Purchase Intentions, and Long‐Term Adoption of Eco‐Friendly Fashion
This research demonstrates that attending sustainability-themed weddings positively influences consumers’ intentions to purchase sustainable fashion and fosters long-term eco-friendly shopping habits. Social media and the influence of peers are key factors in driving this behavioral change.
The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining a survey of three hundred and two respondents analyzed via structural equation modeling with in-depth interviews of twenty participants. This allowed researchers to both quantify relationships between variables and gain nuanced qualitative insights to support the quantitative findings.
These findings offer valuable insights for marketers, event planners, and policymakers interested in promoting sustainable consumption. Leveraging socially influential events like weddings, and amplifying their message through social media, can be an effective strategy for encouraging lasting behavioral changes toward more eco-friendly lifestyles.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Journal of Consumer Affairs2026
Issue Information
No abstract available.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Journal of Consumer Affairs2026
No Title
No abstract available.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Journal of Consumer Affairs2026
To What Extent Did Social Media Use Contribute to Financial Hardship During the <scp>COVID</scp> ‐19 Pandemic?
This study found a positive correlation between social media usage and negative financial outcomes, specifically difficulty covering expenses and a lack of emergency savings. Importantly, the researchers discovered that fear of missing out (FOMO) acts as a key mechanism driving this relationship.
Researchers analyzed data from a national survey of 4178 participants regarding the socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, employing linear regression to determine associations between social media use, FOMO, and financial hardship. This quantitative approach allowed them to establish statistical links between these variables.
These findings suggest that social media communication may contribute to adverse financial behaviors, potentially due to the psychological impact of FOMO. Understanding this connection is crucial for developing interventions and promoting healthier financial habits in the digital age.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Journal of Consumer Affairs2026
Panic‐Buying Behavior Is No More a Cosmetic Behavior: A Bibliometric Review and Future Research Agenda
This study reveals a structured understanding of panic buying, identifying four core conceptual clusters and two evolving themes through analysis of research spanning from 1998 to 2022. The research demonstrates how panic buying behavior has shifted in response to different pandemics and crisis events.
Researchers systematically reviewed seventy-three articles using both bibliometric analysis – examining publication trends – and content analysis – examining the themes within the articles. They categorized the literature by pandemic magnitude to understand how research focus changed over time, and used co-citation network analysis to map the intellectual relationships between key studies.
This work provides crucial insights into consumer behavior during times of crisis and scarcity, offering a framework for understanding panic buying and suggesting avenues for future research into this complex phenomenon. The findings are relevant to fields including economics, psychology, and crisis management.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Journal of Consumer Research2026
Brief Commentary: A Reexamination of the Effect of Forced Choice on Choice
This research reexamines the impact of offering a no-choice option in choice-based studies. The findings suggest that no-choice options do not consistently draw share from specific types of alternatives, contradicting some previous research.
Nine well-powered, preregistered replications of earlier studies were conducted, closely following the original experimental procedures and stimuli. Data were analyzed to test seven hypotheses regarding the effects of no-choice options on preference shares.
These results suggest that the effects of no-choice options on consumer decision-making are more complex than previously understood. The conditions under which choice deferral occurs reliably require further investigation, and researchers should carefully consider the implications for interpreting experimental results.
Bozeman Lab
Journal of Consumer Research2026
Brief Commentary: Is “4 for $16” Better than “4 for $15.30”? Testing the Replicability of the Price Divisibility Effect
This research investigated the replicability of the price divisibility effect, a phenomenon suggesting consumers may prefer higher-priced multipacks if the price is divisible by the number of units. The authors conducted four preregistered replications of key studies from the original research but found no support for the effect.
The researchers precisely replicated three studies using larger sample sizes than the original research. They used the same stimuli, measures, and analyses. Participants were presented with multipack purchase scenarios and asked about their likelihood to purchase at either divisible or non-divisible prices.
These findings cast doubt on the existence or robustness of the price divisibility effect. The authors suggest researchers and marketers should exercise caution when applying this concept, as the original claims may not be generalizable or reliably observed.
Bozeman Lab
Journal of Consumer Research2026
Insiders Only: Are Our Ideas About What Makes “Good Theory” Holding Us Back?
This research highlights a disconnect between the desire for relevant consumer research and the narrow definition of ‘theory’ often employed in academic evaluation. The authors find that many researchers undervalue explaining real-world phenomena with established constructs, favoring instead the introduction of new constructs or relationships.
The study employs a two-pronged approach: a conceptual framework utilizing Bayesian reasoning to understand how different types of theorizing update beliefs, and a survey of authors from leading consumer research journals to assess perceptions of what constitutes a theoretical contribution. The survey data quantifies the bias toward construct-to-construct theorizing.
The findings suggest that broadening the definition of theory to include phenomenon-to-construct approaches can enhance the perceived relevance of consumer research. By connecting abstract ideas to actionable phenomena, researchers can better serve scholars, practitioners, and policymakers, ultimately increasing the impact of their work.
Bozeman Lab
Journal of Consumer Research2026
Correction to: What Makes Consumption Experiences Feel Special? A Multimethod Integrative Analysis
This correction details a change to the funding acknowledgement section of an already published article. The authors have clarified a previously truncated sentence detailing the sources of research funding.
The authors identified an error in the published version of their article and submitted a correction to the journal. This involved amending the author notes section to ensure complete and accurate attribution of funding sources.
Maintaining accurate records of research funding is crucial for transparency and accountability in academic publishing. This correction ensures the published record properly acknowledges all contributing grants.
Bozeman Lab
Journal of Interactive Marketing2026
EXPRESS: Navigating a Changing Privacy Landscape: The Effect of Data Requests on the Acquisition, Retention, and Deletion of Consumers’ Information
This research demonstrates that offering consumers choices regarding their data – to provide, keep, or delete information – impacts their feelings of control and vulnerability, ultimately influencing how much personal information they are willing to share. Specifically, data request options influence perceptions of “enactment autonomy,” a newly proposed construct relating to feelings of shared control over personal data.
Researchers conducted six experimental studies, including a behavioral study tracking actual data-sharing, and a within-paper meta-analysis to validate their hypothesis. These studies examined how different data request options affected participants’ sense of autonomy, vulnerability, and willingness to share personal information, also considering factors like information sensitivity and the presence of third parties.
These findings suggest that privacy regulations aren't just legal requirements but also psychological interventions; the *way* data requests are framed can significantly affect consumer behavior. Understanding enactment autonomy can help organizations design privacy choices that empower users and build trust, moving beyond simple compliance to foster genuine data control.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Journal of Interactive Marketing2026
Managing Firm Social Media Communications Around Fast-Paced Product Launches
Overlapping product launches negatively impact engagement for publishers and product accounts, but surprisingly *benefit* product creators on social media. These effects are driven by asymmetric spillovers where communication flows more readily from creators and publishers *to* product accounts, but not the other way around.
This study used daily data from video game launches by major publishers to analyze social media engagement rates before and after release. Regression analysis revealed how launch overlap influences engagement across different partner types: publishers, creators, and product accounts themselves.
For companies managing multiple product launches, strategic social media communication is crucial; creators should increase pre-launch activity, while publishers should focus on post-launch engagement. Understanding these asymmetric spillovers can help maximize the impact of overlapping launches and improve overall marketing effectiveness.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Journal of Interactive Marketing2026
EXPRESS: Prospecting vs. Retargeting: Insights from a Geography-Based Field Experiment
This research demonstrates that, surprisingly, prospecting ads – showing ads to new potential customers – consistently outperform retargeting ads (showing ads to previous visitors) in driving sales for a bed-in-box company. The study challenges the long-held belief that retargeting is a crucial component of successful digital advertising.
Researchers conducted a large-scale field experiment across Google and Facebook ad networks, meticulously tracking the performance of both prospecting and retargeting campaigns. Data was collected for a major company in the bed-in-box industry, allowing for a robust empirical analysis of ad effectiveness.
These findings suggest advertisers may be over-investing in retargeting efforts and could significantly improve returns by shifting budget towards prospecting campaigns. The results offer new insights into consumer behavior and optimal ad strategies for durable goods, especially in light of increasing privacy restrictions.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Journal of Interactive Marketing2026
EXPRESS: Theory of Machine: Lay Beliefs About Algorithmic Data Processing Drive Recommendation Acceptance
This research reveals that consumers categorize data used by AI systems into three distinct types, and their acceptance of AI recommendations is heavily influenced by how they perceive this data. Specifically, the feeling of being personally threatened by the data and how acceptable the data processing seems are key factors.
Researchers conducted a pilot study and four subsequent experiments to understand consumers’ mental models of different data types used in AI recommendations. They experimentally tested how 'individuality threat' and 'processing acceptability' influence users' willingness to accept recommendations generated by AI systems.
These findings highlight the importance of transparency and control in AI systems to foster trust and adoption. By addressing consumer concerns about data privacy and processing methods, developers can increase the likelihood that users will accept and benefit from AI-driven recommendations.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Journal of Consumer Marketing2026
Masstige model: a multi-industry validation and extension
This study validates a four-factor model of masstige, encompassing brand knowledge and prestige, perceived quality, excitement and status, and a newly introduced dimension of Premium Service. The addition of Premium Service significantly improves the model's ability to explain masstige perceptions.
Researchers employed a survey-based approach, collecting data from 996 respondents across three industries in the UAE. Confirmatory factor analysis was used in two stages to assess the validity and reliability of the masstige model, followed by measurement invariance tests across industries.
This research provides brand managers with a validated measurement model to refine marketing strategies, enhance customer experience through Premium Services, and optimize branding across industries. It advances masstige research by incorporating experiential value and offering a cross-industry validated model.
Journal of Consumer Marketing2026
Posting and politics: the effects of corporate political advocacy on user-generated content
This study demonstrates that alignment between consumers' beliefs and a brand's corporate political advocacy efforts significantly increases consumers' intention to create brand-related user-generated content. This effect is amplified by factors like self-brand identity congruency, the level of controversy surrounding the issue, and individual political orientation.
Researchers conducted a series of three experimental studies, utilizing different contexts, to examine the relationship between corporate political advocacy and user-generated content. The studies tested the mediating role of self-brand identity congruency and the moderating effects of message controversy and individual political orientation on consumers' intent to create brand-related content.
This research provides novel insights into how brands can leverage political advocacy to enhance customer engagement. Understanding the interplay between consumer beliefs, brand stances, and factors like controversy and political orientation is crucial for brands aiming to stimulate positive user-generated content and foster stronger customer connections.
Bozeman Lab
Journal of Consumer Marketing2026
Consumers’ parasocial interactions and relationships with online influencers: a systematic review
This study systematically reviewed existing research on consumers' parasocial interactions and relationships with online influencers. The findings highlight that source characteristics, message qualities, the media platform itself, and consumer traits all play a role in fostering these connections, ultimately contributing to the influencer's social capital.
Researchers conducted a systematic review of 76 peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2023. They used a directed qualitative content analysis approach to synthesize the antecedents, consequences, moderators, and mediators of parasocial interaction and relationships within the context of online influencer marketing.
This review underscores the need to consider the characteristics of social media platforms when studying parasocial relationships. It provides a foundation for future research, including exploring the implications for sustainable consumption and the well-being of children and adolescents in the realm of influencer marketing.
Bozeman Lab
Journal of Consumer Marketing2026
“But you weren’t there!” – Effects of historical nostalgia on young consumers
This study demonstrates that young consumers experience historical nostalgia – a longing for times they didn't personally live through – and that this nostalgia significantly impacts their consumption experiences. The research shows that marketing leveraging historical nostalgia can be effective, particularly when utilizing visual cues and idealization.
Researchers conducted in-depth interviews with twenty young adults to explore their experiences with historical nostalgia. The qualitative data was then analyzed and coded to identify key themes related to how this type of nostalgia influences consumer behavior.
These findings suggest that marketers can successfully connect with young consumers by tapping into their interest in the past, even eras they didn't live through. Understanding the role of visual elements and idealization in evoking historical nostalgia is crucial for crafting effective marketing campaigns and stimulating hedonic consumption.
Bozeman Lab
Journal of Marketing Research2026
EXPRESS: Welfare Implications of Democratization in Content Creation: Generative AI and Beyond
This research demonstrates that the impact of democratizing content creation through technologies like generative AI hinges on the *degree* of quality improvement offered by the technology; incremental improvements can actually worsen outcomes for both creators and consumers. A significant leap in quality, however, leads to mutually beneficial results.
The authors utilize a game-theoretic model to analyze the welfare effects of content democratization, specifically examining how varying levels of quality improvement impact content production and market dynamics. This approach allows for a formal assessment of the trade-offs between increased accessibility and overall market welfare.
These findings offer valuable insights for understanding the differing impacts of content democratization across various industries, and highlight the crucial role of platform curation in maximizing the benefits of generative AI – although even effective curation can have downsides. The research suggests that substantial advancements in AI quality are needed to avoid negative market consequences.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Journal of Marketing Research2026
EXPRESS: Consumers Prefer that Corporations Donate Periodically
This research demonstrates that firms benefit more from making frequent, smaller donations over time—like donating twenty thousand dollars per month for twelve months—compared to making a single large donation of the equivalent amount. These periodic contributions improve a company’s reputation, customer engagement, and the likelihood of purchases.
The researchers conducted seven preregistered studies, including two large-scale field studies and five online experiments, to investigate how donation frequency impacts consumer perceptions. They manipulated donation schedules and measured outcomes like reputation and purchase intent to understand the underlying mechanisms at play.
This work reveals consumers are sensitive to consistency in charitable giving and are more likely to perceive a company's social responsibility efforts as authentic when donations are spread out over time. Understanding the importance of perceived authentic prosocial motivation provides crucial guidance for companies seeking to leverage CSR for positive outcomes.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Journal of Marketing Research2026
EXPRESS: Market Effects of Inattention: Theory and Evidence from Left-Digit Bias
This research demonstrates that firms—specifically car dealerships—can profit from consumer inattention, leveraging predictable biases like the left-digit effect in odometer readings to increase sales and margins. Dealerships consistently transact with consumers exhibiting greater left-digit bias compared to private sellers.
Researchers combined theoretical modeling with an empirical analysis of millions of used car transactions over a seven-year period. They compared the behavior of consumers purchasing from dealerships versus private sellers, specifically focusing on odometer readings and transaction prices.
These findings suggest intermediaries can identify and cater to consumers with specific behavioral biases, effectively “skimming” surplus by targeting these groups with tailored pricing and inventory strategies. This highlights a significant, and potentially exploitable, aspect of consumer behavior in marketplace settings.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Journal of Marketing Research2026
EXPRESS: How Effective Is Suggested Pricing?: Experimental Evidence from an E-Commerce Platform
This research demonstrates that platform-suggested prices significantly impact seller behavior on peer-to-peer e-commerce platforms, with a 30 percent change in suggested price leading to a 5 percent change in listing price. Notably, these suggestions have a greater effect on newer sellers and for items where pricing is less straightforward.
Researchers partnered with Mercari to conduct a field experiment, randomly assigning sellers to either receive a suggested price or not, and manipulating the value of that suggestion. This allowed them to directly measure the causal link between suggested prices and seller pricing and sales outcomes, and was then followed by a secondary experiment to test generalizability.
These findings suggest that platform-suggested pricing is a valuable tool for influencing market prices while still enabling sellers to leverage their own product knowledge. This approach represents a successful compromise between platform control and seller autonomy, benefiting both parties through increased sales and revenue.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Journal of Consumer Psychology2026
Issue Information
No abstract available.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Journal of Consumer Psychology2026
No Title
No abstract available.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Journal of Consumer Psychology2026
Patience as a pathway to optimal consumer experience and behavior
This work proposes a process model of patience, reframing impatience not as an absence of patience, but as a distinct, negative emotion that patience actively regulates. This shifts the understanding of patience from a personality trait to a dynamic emotional process.
The author synthesizes existing literature on emotion regulation and applies it to the specific context of patience, developing a comprehensive framework. This framework delineates the cognitive and emotional processes involved in experiencing and managing impatience.
The model has practical applications in fields like consumer behavior and marketing, offering insights into how to mitigate impatience and improve experiences. Recommendations are provided to optimize consumer responses in situations prone to frustration and delay.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Journal of Consumer Psychology2026
From decision patience to process patience: A decision–process integration of the choice to wait and the experience of waiting
This commentary bridges two perspectives on consumer impatience – traditional intertemporal choice and Sweeny's Process Model of Patience – by integrating the psychological drivers of decision-making with the emotional experience of waiting. The author proposes that impatience isn’t just about *choosing* to delay gratification, but also about the negative *feeling* experienced while waiting.
The research is a theoretical commentary that maps the mechanisms influencing intertemporal choice (affective urges, cognition, time perception, and future self) onto the components of Sweeny’s Process Model. This involved identifying points of convergence and divergence between the two frameworks to build a more comprehensive understanding of consumer behavior.
The integrated model generates testable predictions about how ‘choice patience’ and ‘process patience’ differ, how motivations change throughout the decision and waiting periods, and how environmental cues can impact impatience. This refined understanding suggests a more holistic temporal model of impatience, starting at the point of decision and continuing through the subsequent delay.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Judgment and Decision Making2026
Test–retest reliability of the SVO-Slider Measure and other psychometric measures of personality traits
This study demonstrates a considerable degree of stability in the Slider Measure (SLM) of social value orientation (SVO) over a four-year period. The SLM’s stability is found to be higher than that of behavioral games, but generally lower than established personality traits.
Researchers analyzed data from a four-year panel study involving over a thousand participants. They used the SLM and compared its test-retest reliability to measures of prosociality, behavioral tendencies, and broader personality traits like the Big-Five and HEXACO. Statistical analyses focused on rank-order stability over time and demographic influences.
The findings support the SLM as a suitable method for assessing individual SVO over extended periods. It represents a middle ground between the stability of personality traits and the context-dependent nature of immediate behavioral responses, making it a valuable tool for studying prosociality over time.
Bozeman Lab
Judgment and Decision Making2026
The ironic effect of entitlement: Giving behavior increases with entitled pursuit of information
This research demonstrates that individuals who actively seek information about those in need are more likely to offer help. Surprisingly, it also finds that people with a higher sense of entitlement are more inclined to seek out this information.
Four studies were conducted utilizing online participants and hypothetical scenarios involving charitable giving. Participants were presented with a plea for help and given the option to seek further information about the recipient's circumstances. Entitlement was measured or manipulated, and giving behavior was assessed.
These findings suggest a complex relationship between entitlement, information seeking, and prosocial behavior. Understanding this dynamic could inform strategies to encourage charitable giving, even among individuals who may typically exhibit self-focused tendencies.
Bozeman Lab
Judgment and Decision Making2026
Wishful thinking in the 2020 U.S. presidential election: Does perspective taking mitigate the preference–expectation link?
People's expectations about election outcomes often align with their preferences, a phenomenon known as wishful thinking. This study investigated whether a perspective-taking intervention could reduce this bias, but found it ineffective in the context of the 2020 U.S. presidential election.
Researchers randomly assigned participants to one of three conditions: a control group, a perspective-taking group, or a perspective-taking and prediction group. Participants indicated their candidate preference and then made predictions about the election outcome, with a potential bonus for accuracy. Probability estimates were also collected.
The study suggests that the perspective-taking intervention used by Rose and Aspiras (2020) may not be a reliable method for debiasing wishful thinking in election predictions. The strong tendency to predict a preferred candidate winning appears robust even when incentives for accuracy are present.
Bozeman Lab
Judgment and Decision Making2026
Information distortion as a source of overconfidence in managerial decisions
This research demonstrates that information distortion can contribute to overconfidence in managerial decisions. Specifically, as decision makers selectively interpret information to support their preferred option, their confidence in that option increases, even when that increase is not justified by the objective quality of the information.
Experienced managers and MBA students engaged in a simulated business decision task. Researchers tracked levels of information distortion and confidence throughout the process. The study measured how confidence in a leading course of action increased as a function of distortion.
The findings suggest that overconfidence isn't solely a trait but can develop from the decision-making process itself. Understanding and addressing information distortion may offer a path towards mitigating overconfidence and improving decision quality.
Bozeman Lab
Journal of Experimental Psychology General2026
Supplemental Material for Effort Norms Encourage More Exertion but Not Less
This research investigated how effort norms influence individuals’ perceptions of effort and the reasons behind their choices in challenging tasks. Overall, the results suggest that effort norms do not consistently impact perceived effort, though some effects were observed in specific contexts.
Researchers conducted a series of seven studies, and one additional study, manipulating effort norms (high, low, control) while participants completed cognitive tasks. They measured perceived effort using the NASA Task Load Index and assessed reasons for task choices, as well as individual differences like need for cognition and conscientiousness.
These findings offer a nuanced understanding of how social norms affect motivation. The inconsistency in findings suggests that the impact of effort norms is complex and may be moderated by other factors, challenging assumptions about the straightforward influence of social expectations on individual effort.
Bozeman Lab
Journal of Experimental Psychology General2026
Supplemental Material for Studying Vocal Annoyance With Self-Steered Sound Synthesis
This research explores how humans perceive and modify vocalizations to maximize annoyance. The core finding is that increasing call rate and irregularity consistently contribute to perceived annoyance across multiple experiments.
Researchers conducted four experiments utilizing synthetic vocalizations and participant manipulation of these sounds. Participants adjusted parameters of these vocalizations – like call rate, duration, and nonlinear phenomena – to create both the most and least annoying sounds, with data analyzed using multivariate statistical modeling.
These findings provide insight into the acoustic features that drive negative emotional responses to sounds. This understanding has implications for fields like human-computer interaction, alarm design, and potentially even understanding emotional communication in animal vocalizations.
Bozeman Lab
Journal of Experimental Psychology General2026
Supplemental Material for Workplace Inauthenticity Increases Organizational Cynicism: Multimethod and Multicultural Evidence
No abstract available.
Bozeman Lab
Journal of Experimental Psychology General2026
Studying vocal annoyance with self-steered sound synthesis.
This research determined that vocal annoyance is primarily driven by the *amount* of sound—specifically, how much vocalization occurs per unit of time and the presence of harsh, irregular sounds—followed by the *rate* of acoustic events. Surprisingly, unpredictable timing didn’t significantly increase annoyance.
Researchers developed “Self-Steered Sound Synthesis,” a novel experimental method where participants created synthetic vocalizations (barks, calls, shouts) by manipulating pitch, quality, and timing. Independent listeners then rated these sounds for annoyance, allowing the team to identify key acoustic features influencing perceptions.
These findings suggest optimal alarm signals should be brief and infrequent, maximizing alerting potential while minimizing stress and annoyance. The Self-Steered Sound Synthesis method provides a powerful tool for exploring both human and animal communication, with implications for sound design and signal engineering.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology2026
Social distancing from innocent victims by spatial distality.
People demonstrate a tendency to symbolically distance themselves from victims of injustice, positioning them further away in visual space. This distancing occurs even when victims are not blamed and is particularly strong when the injustice violates core values.
Researchers conducted twelve studies employing varied scenarios of victimization and spatial arrangement techniques. Participants positioned symbolic representations of themselves and victims in a 2D space, revealing a pattern of increased distance from victims following perceptions of unfair treatment.
These findings suggest that injustice doesn't simply evoke sympathy, but also triggers a psychological distancing mechanism, impacting how we mentally categorize and relate to others. Understanding this reciprocal relationship between injustice and social distance provides insight into self-other perception and potentially sheds light on broader societal dynamics.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology2026
Fleeting generalization: How unstable belief updating keeps people overly pessimistic about talking to strangers.
People consistently underestimate the positivity of conversations with strangers, and while a single conversation *can* temporarily boost expectations for future interactions, this optimism quickly fades. This “fleeting generalization” results in a return to initial pessimistic beliefs within one to two weeks.
Researchers conducted three longitudinal experiments where participants engaged in conversations and then reported their expectations for future interactions. They compared these expectations to a control group, examining how beliefs changed after a conversation, both with the same person and with different people, and across varying conversation depths.
These findings suggest that simply *having* positive social experiences isn't enough to correct consistently negative social expectations, highlighting a fundamental challenge in recalibrating social beliefs and potentially contributing to social anxiety or avoidance. The misremembering of positive interactions as less positive than originally experienced also plays a role.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology2026
End of world beliefs are common, diverse, and predict how people perceive and respond to global risks.
This research establishes a psychological framework for understanding beliefs about the end of the world, revealing they are surprisingly common and vary predictably across individuals. These beliefs are demonstrably linked to how people perceive and respond to major global threats.
Researchers conducted six pilot studies and one preregistered study with a combined total of 3,488 participants from six distinct religious groups. They developed and validated a new measure of “end of world beliefs” and then examined its relationship to risk perception, tolerance, and support for extreme actions regarding global existential risks.
The findings suggest that belief in apocalyptic narratives, regardless of their factual basis, significantly influences societal responses to concrete risks like economic instability, environmental disaster, and geopolitical conflict. Understanding this psychological dimension is crucial for addressing global challenges and fostering effective risk management strategies.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology2026
On the relationship between indirect measures of Black versus White racial attitudes and discriminatory outcomes: An adversarial collaboration using a sample of White Americans.
This research demonstrates a modest correlation between implicit racial attitudes and discriminatory behavior in White Americans, explaining approximately two and a half percent of the variance in outcomes. However, traditional self-report measures of racial attitudes were found to be stronger predictors, accounting for roughly forty-five percent of the variance.
Researchers conducted an adversarial collaboration involving a large sample of two thousand one hundred fourteen White Americans, using structural equation modeling and multiverse analyses to examine the relationship between established measures of implicit racial attitudes and lab-based behavioral outcomes. They accounted for measurement error and compared the predictive power of both indirect and direct measures of prejudice.
These findings suggest that while automatic prejudice, as measured by implicit tests, does contribute to discrimination, its effect is relatively small compared to consciously held beliefs. Future research should focus on the generalizability of these attitudes, particularly within high-stakes organizational contexts, and promote collaborative efforts to address prejudice.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Psychological Science2026
Pretending Not to Know Reveals a Capacity for Model-Based Self-Simulation
This research demonstrates that people can accurately simulate what their decision-making would be like if they *didn't* know something they actually do know, effectively "pretending" ignorance. Participants successfully mimicked the behavior of someone genuinely lacking information in strategic games.
Researchers conducted two game-based experiments with over one thousand English-speaking adults, asking them to play Battleship and Hangman while pretending they didn't know the answers. They compared the "pretenders'" gameplay – guess counts, reaction times – to that of genuine players to assess accuracy and detect subtle differences.
These findings reveal a sophisticated capacity for self-simulation and metacognition, showing we possess a complex internal model of how our own minds and decision processes work. This research opens a new avenue for studying how we understand and model our own cognitive states.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Psychological Science2026
Registered Report: A Replication Examining Occupational Experience and Performance on the Water-Level Task
This study failed to replicate the original finding that individuals with occupational experience handling liquids perform worse at a water-level problem compared to those without such experience. The researchers observed a small, non-significant difference between groups, indicating the initial result may have been a statistical fluke.
The researchers conducted a high-powered, direct replication of the Hecht and Proffitt (1995) study, recruiting a large sample of 407 adults in Germany. Participants were categorized by their occupational experience with handling liquids and then tasked with solving a water-level problem to assess performance differences.
These findings suggest the initial relationship between occupational experience and water-level task performance is likely not as strong as originally proposed, and the first study lacked sufficient statistical power. This highlights the importance of replication and larger sample sizes in psychological research to ensure reliable results.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Psychological Science2026
Detection of Idiosyncratic Gaze-Fingerprint Signatures in Humans
This research demonstrates that individuals exhibit unique and consistent patterns in how they visually explore images, effectively creating a "gaze fingerprint." Using large datasets of eye movements, the study found surprisingly high accuracy—between fifty-two and sixty-three percent—in identifying individuals based solely on their gaze patterns.
Researchers analyzed the gaze data of one hundred and five participants from Italy and forty-six from Germany while they viewed seven hundred complex natural scenes. They established "gaze-fingerprint barcodes"—unique codes representing individual gaze patterns across different stimuli—and confirmed their stability over time through longitudinal follow-up studies.
These findings suggest that gaze patterns are trait-like and could serve as a biomarker for understanding neurodevelopmental differences; specifically, lower autistic traits were correlated with increased gaze fingerprintability. This work opens possibilities for using gaze fingerprinting to isolate important biological and neurological factors.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Psychological Science2026
Metacognition in Decision-Making Across Domains and Modalities: Evidence From Three Studies
This research demonstrates weak evidence for domain generality in metacognition, suggesting that confidence in correctness is influenced by both general cognitive processes and task-specific modules. Specifically, separate metacognitive modules appear to operate for perceptual and cognitive tasks.
Researchers analyzed data from three studies, encompassing ten tasks and a total of 253 to 547 adult participants in Denmark and Poland. They employed confirmatory factor analyses and hierarchical estimation to examine cross-task correlations in metacognitive bias and efficiency.
These findings refine our understanding of how the brain generates confidence, suggesting a hybrid model where general processes interact with specialized task-specific mechanisms. Further research could explore the neural basis of these perceptual and cognitive metacognitive modules.
[5m] Dive
Journal of Service Research2026
Holistic Social Service Systems as a Framework for Addressing Financial Vulnerability
This study reveals that successful integration into social service systems for financially vulnerable individuals hinges on a collaborative process of building “client readiness,” not just pre-existing capacity, but one fostered *within* the system itself. The research identifies how reciprocal trust and shared responsibility between clients and providers are key to navigating complex social support networks.
Researchers conducted a qualitative case study, deeply examining consumer experiences within integrated social service systems. Data was gathered and analyzed to understand the dynamics of client readiness, provider support, and the role of external partnerships in addressing financial vulnerability.
These findings introduce the “contingent value proposition” framework, suggesting service providers can best support clients by structuring aid based on demonstrated progress and collaborative action. The study provides actionable recommendations for social service organizations aiming to deliver more holistic and effective support to those facing financial hardship.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Journal of Service Research2026
Adherence in Mental Healthcare: The Role of Frontline Employee Behaviors
This research demonstrates that frontline employee behaviors significantly impact adherence to healthcare recommendations for individuals with mental illness, with listening and active conversation consistently improving outcomes while repetitive behaviors decrease them. The study provides quantifiable evidence linking specific employee actions to patient adherence levels over time.
Researchers analyzed twelve months of longitudinal field data collected from one hundred eighteen individuals with mental illnesses, resulting in over two thousand four hundred forty-five observations. A split-hazard model was employed, guided by social support theory, to examine the effect of frontline employee behaviors on adherence across various tasks – Communication, Cognitive Activities, Daily Living, and Social Integration.
These findings offer actionable strategies for improving mental healthcare delivery by highlighting the importance of tailored behavioral approaches for frontline employees. By advancing social support theory in the context of frontline service delivery, this study provides both theoretical and practical contributions to improve patient well-being and adherence to treatment plans.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Journal of Service Research2026
Immersive Experience: Aligning Service Design and Psychological Engagement
This research establishes that immersive experiences are a form of service created through the dynamic alignment of carefully designed environments with the psychological states of participants. Immersion isn't simply *present*—it's actively and continuously *co-created* through this interaction.
The authors developed a theoretical framework analyzing how service design—including conceptual, spatial, and interactive elements—interfaces with participant psychology during service delivery. This involved examining the interplay between provider curation and participant responses like sensory arousal, emotional connection, and imaginative engagement.
This work contributes to service research by identifying design affordances, alignment, and psychological engagement as key mechanisms for generating value through immersive experiences. Practically, the framework offers actionable insights for service providers to balance sensory, emotional, and cognitive elements to optimize customer experience.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Journal of Service Research2026
Evaluating the Impact of Telemedicine Services on Community Health: A County-Level Analysis
This research demonstrates that increased access to telemedicine services positively impacts overall community health, leading to improvements in key health indicators like premature death rates and preventable hospital stays. Importantly, the effectiveness of these services is not uniform and is shaped by local context.
Researchers analyzed county-level panel data across the United States to empirically assess the relationship between telemedicine availability and various health outcomes. Statistical analysis was used to evaluate both aggregate health improvements and specific reductions in negative health indicators, as well as to identify moderating factors.
These findings highlight telemedicine’s potential as a tool for improving public health, but emphasize the crucial need to consider socioeconomic status, digital infrastructure, and demographic factors when implementing these services. Recognizing these contextual elements is vital for maximizing the benefits of telemedicine and ensuring equitable access to care.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science2026
Where did you receive the free sample? Sustained impact of new product sample distribution on customer purchase journey
This study demonstrates that the distribution channel of free samples significantly impacts customer behavior throughout the purchase journey. Specifically, online requests are cost-effective, direct mail generates the strongest long-term engagement, and in-store sampling has limited sustained impact.
Researchers conducted a randomized field experiment with a consumer packaged goods firm, tracking customer engagement over an 18-month period. Data collected included survey responses and transaction history to analyze the effects of in-store, direct mail, and online-request free sample distributions on acceptance, usage, purchase conversion, and overall engagement.
The findings provide actionable guidance for managers to strategically select sampling channels. Firms can align their choices with business goals, prioritizing cost-effectiveness with online requests, long-term engagement with direct mail, and immediate trial when in-store distribution is feasible.
Bozeman Lab
Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science2026
How universities can use social media for student acquisition
This research demonstrates that content focusing on interaction quality has the strongest positive effect on student acquisition for universities utilizing social media. The study also shows that emotional tone enhances content about interaction quality, cognitive tone works best for content about outcome quality, and that third-party rankings moderate these effects.
The authors used a mixed-methods approach including interviews with university social media managers, text analysis of over one million tweets from U.K. universities, and two experiments to examine how universities’ social media content influences student acquisition. They employed transformer-based language models to identify signals of service quality.
These findings provide strategic guidance for universities to align their social media content and style with third-party quality signals to optimize student acquisition. Universities should prioritize content pertaining to interaction quality and tailor the tone of their messages based on the content’s focus, with an emphasis on signaling environment quality for highly ranked institutions.
Bozeman Lab
Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science2026
Value congruence in evaluations of product aesthetics: Political conservatives’ preference for kinderschema cute products
Political conservatives demonstrate a stronger preference for products featuring a 'kinderschema' or infantile cute aesthetic compared to liberals. This preference is linked to the purity/sanctity moral foundation, suggesting a congruence between conservative values and the perceived innocence associated with this aesthetic.
The researchers conducted nine controlled experiments with a total of 3,648 participants, examining the connection between political ideology and aesthetic preferences. They utilized mediation and moderation analyses, varying cuteness types and product categories, and incorporated multi-country replications and longitudinal designs to ensure robust findings. Additionally, they analyzed online search data from over 1,800 users.
This research highlights the influence of political ideology and moral judgments on consumer aesthetic choices. The findings offer strategic implications for marketers regarding the segmentation, targeting, and positioning of 'kinderschema cute' products, suggesting a focus on consumers who prioritize purity and sanctity values.
Bozeman Lab
Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science2026
The effects of unconditional gifts on customer-firm relationships
This research demonstrates that unconditional gifts given to customers can positively impact both their loyalty and their immediate spending. The study reveals that these gifts trigger feelings of gratitude and obligation, each influencing customer behavior in distinct ways.
The researchers conducted two field experiments in partnership with firms to track customer behavior after receiving unconditional gifts. They followed this with five experimental studies to validate their theoretical model and examine factors such as gift value and customer status.
The findings provide managers with guidance on how to design effective unconditional gift-giving programs. The research suggests that even small-value gifts can be beneficial, and that these programs work effectively with both new and existing customers, potentially offering an alternative to traditional reward systems.
Journal of Marketing2026
EXPRESS: THE BRAND BACKSTORY AND THE STRATEGIC PERFORMANCE OF TRANSPARENCY
This research demonstrates that brand transparency isn't simply a characteristic brands *have*, but rather an experience they *create* through carefully managed performances. These "backstory performances" – like factory tours – balance revealing information with maintaining control over the narrative.
Researchers used a multimethod approach, focusing on four real-world "backstory sites" to investigate how brands manage transparency. They identified three key dimensions of these performances: staging, character management, and script tailoring, and how these impact consumer perceptions.
The findings reframe brand storytelling, suggesting contemporary brands rely on staged encounters offering a calculated dose of revelation. Optimizing these experiences—making them skillful, stimulating, and safe—is crucial for making consumers *feel* like insiders without actually relinquishing brand control.
[5m] Dive
Journal of Marketing2026
EXPRESS: SECURING A CALIBRATED MARKETING BUDGET
This research reveals that marketing budget approval in large corporations isn’t just about numbers, but a complex social process where CMOs actively manage CEO perceptions. Specifically, the study finds that CMOs use strategic 'signals' related to both budget detail and their own intentions to gain approval.
Researchers conducted field studies, examining the interactions and ‘theories-in-use’ of both Chief Marketing Officers and Chief Executive Officers during the budgeting process. This involved observing how budgets were developed iteratively and participatively, identifying different types of marketing budgets (Growth Focused and Constrained).
The findings offer a new theoretical framework for understanding marketing budgeting within organizations, moving beyond solely focusing on optimization. This framework can help advance future research and potentially inform best practices for CMOs seeking to secure optimal resource allocation.
[5m] Dive
Journal of Marketing2026
EXPRESS: Do Business Professionals Exhibit Racial Bias in Strategic Marketing Decisions?
This research demonstrates that business professionals systematically perceive Black consumers as having lower incomes compared to White consumers with equivalent earnings, despite objective economic data suggesting otherwise. This bias stems from associating Blackness with economic hardship, leading to skewed perceptions of purchasing power.
The researchers conducted nine studies and four replications across the United States, France, and Brazil, utilizing current and aspiring business professionals as participants. They analyzed the correlation between lay theories regarding race and income, perceived income levels, consumption stereotypes, and ultimately, strategic marketing decisions.
These findings reveal a significant bias within marketing practices that can lead to underinvestment in Black consumer markets, even when those markets present substantial economic opportunity. However, the research also shows that diversity training and deliberation-based interventions can effectively mitigate these biases, suggesting pathways toward greater marketplace equity.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Journal of Marketing2026
EXPRESS: Filling the Void: How Competing Brands Can Capitalize on a Brand Deletion
This research demonstrates that when a brand is discontinued, private label brands experience the largest revenue gains, followed by sister brands from the same manufacturer, while competing national brands benefit the least. Importantly, overall category revenue doesn't fully bounce back after a brand deletion.
Researchers used a difference-in-differences analysis, examining 1,046 national brand deletions over a decade in 201 US markets. This allowed them to compare revenue changes for brands *after* a competitor was removed, controlling for broader market trends.
These findings suggest that brand pruning isn't always a straightforward path to revenue preservation; manufacturers only retain about 38 percent of the deleted brand’s revenue through internal substitutions. Effective post-deletion strategies require a focus on distribution, line length, and carefully considered pricing and promotional activities.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Journal of Business Research2026
Exploring the impact of inter-text space on consumer reactions in firm-customer communication
No abstract available.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Management Science2026
The Task Space: An Integrative Framework for Team Research
Researchers created a “Task Space” to map the similarity between one hundred and two different tasks commonly used in team research, revealing significant and predictable differences in how well groups perform compared to individuals. The study found group performance varied dramatically – from three times worse to sixty percent better than the best individual – depending on the task itself.
The team constructed a multidimensional "Task Space" based on crowd-annotated tasks from existing literature. They then ran a large-scale experiment with 1,231 participants tackling 20 tasks (at three complexity levels) either individually or in groups of three or six, resulting in 180 experimental conditions.
This research provides a new framework for understanding and predicting team performance, allowing for integration of findings across diverse experimental settings. The “Task Space” significantly outperforms existing methods in predicting group advantage and provides insights into the role of task characteristics, like objectivity, on collaborative success.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Food Quality and Preference2026
A cross-cultural study on the consumer perception and acceptance of grass-derived ingredients in Denmark and Austria
No abstract available.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Journal of Consumer Behaviour2026
Why Consumers Prefer Chatbots' Simulated Empathy: Revisiting the Empathy‐Honesty Trade‐Off
Participants consistently preferred empathic responses from chatbots over those from humans, even when they knew the chatbot’s empathy was simulated. This preference wasn't due to expecting more honesty from humans, but rather a lower expectation of empathy from AI agents.
Researchers conducted four experiments with a total of 1435 participants, asking them to share experiences with either a chatbot or a human, who responded with either false empathy, a neutral response, or no response. Participants then reported their impressions and willingness to continue interacting with the agent.
These findings expand our understanding of how people perceive AI interactions, demonstrating that transparency regarding simulated emotions doesn’t necessarily hinder engagement. This suggests designers can build ethically sound, empathic chatbots without needing to hide the algorithmic nature of their responses.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Journal of Consumer Affairs2026
From Financial Exclusion to Collective Stability: Worker Cooperatives and Precarious Immigrant Workers' Financial Capability
This research demonstrates that institutional support, specifically from worker cooperatives and their associated networks, significantly enhances the financial capability of precarious Hispanic immigrant workers in New York City. These supports move beyond individual financial literacy to provide tangible resources and collective strategies for financial stability.
Researchers conducted grounded theory analysis on twenty-five interviews with Hispanic immigrant women participating in domestic worker cooperatives in New York City. This qualitative approach allowed for the emergence of key themes regarding the role of institutional support in shaping financial well-being.
The study proposes a revised financial capability model incorporating collective culture and institutionalized financial structures, highlighting the importance of looking beyond individual-level factors to address financial insecurity. This suggests that strengthening cooperative networks and similar support systems can be a powerful tool for improving the financial lives of vulnerable worker populations.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Journal of Consumer Research2026
The Effect of Online Cart Composition on Cart Abandonment
This research demonstrates that online shopping carts with a higher proportion of hedonic items are more likely to be abandoned. This "cart composition effect" is driven by increased consumer guilt associated with purchasing pleasurable items.
The study employed a mixed-methods approach, analyzing two large-scale field datasets and conducting four controlled experiments. These studies investigated the relationship between cart composition, perceived hedonism, consumer guilt, and abandonment rates.
These findings suggest that e-commerce platforms can reduce cart abandonment by strategically recommending utilitarian items. This intervention shifts perceptions of the cart's overall value and mitigates consumer guilt, leading to increased online conversion rates.
Bozeman Lab
Journal of Interactive Marketing2026
EXPRESS: Selling Together: a Signaling Perspective on Co-Livestreaming Effectiveness
Co-livestreaming, where influencers and brand representatives present products together, demonstrably outperforms traditional single-influencer livestreams in driving both sales and gaining new followers. This enhanced performance is driven by increases in perceived brand endorsement and influencer credibility.
Researchers utilized secondary data analysis alongside three controlled experiments to compare the effects of co-livestreaming versus single-influencer livestreaming. They specifically examined the mediating roles of brand endorsement and influencer credibility, and explored how influencer and brand popularity moderate these effects.
These findings provide actionable insights for companies and influencers, demonstrating that co-livestreaming can be a highly effective marketing strategy—particularly when working with less established brands or influencers. However, the benefits diminish with increased existing popularity, suggesting a nuanced approach is needed for maximizing impact.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Journal of Consumer Marketing2026
Retail spatial structure in paid memberships: how store size, sister-stores density and competition influence paid membership acquisition
This study reveals that store size and the density of sister stores negatively impact customer acquisition for paid membership programs, while increased spatial competition positively influences membership sign-ups. These findings demonstrate the importance of retail spatial structure in influencing customer behavior regarding paid memberships.
The authors collected a unique dataset from a major Chinese retailer, encompassing 74,424 customers across 37 brick-and-mortar stores. They employed logistic regression to analyze the relationship between retail spatial structure—specifically store size, sister-store density, and spatial competition—and the acquisition of paying members. Robustness checks were conducted using alternative approaches and measurements.
The research provides practical guidance for retailers in designing effective membership strategies tailored to specific store attributes. It emphasizes the need to optimize in-store service efficiency, strategically distribute sister stores, and align membership design with local competition levels to boost customer engagement and membership subscriptions.
Bozeman Lab
Journal of Marketing Research2026
EXPRESS: Less is More (Natural): The Effect of Ingredient Quantity Framing on Consumer Preferences
Consumers generally prefer food products marketed with a smaller number of ingredients, even if the actual ingredient list is identical to products with more ingredients listed. This preference is driven by the assumption that fewer ingredients imply less processing and a more “natural” product.
The researchers conducted a comprehensive series of fourteen studies, including preregistered pilot tests, experiments, and supplementary analyses. These studies systematically examined how ingredient quantity influences consumer perceptions and choices related to food products.
This research demonstrates how seemingly simple product information, like ingredient count, can significantly bias consumer decision-making. Marketers can leverage this bias by strategically highlighting ingredient quantities to increase purchase likelihood, while consumers should be aware of this potential influence on their food choices.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Journal of Consumer Psychology2026
The politics of impact: How political ideology shapes perceptions of the environmental impact of individual actions
This research reveals that perceptions of the environmental impact of sustainable behaviors are not objective, but are instead influenced by political ideology; conservatives consistently rate the positive impact of their actions as lower than liberals do. This difference in perception then predicts lower engagement in sustainable practices among conservatives.
The researchers conducted seven studies examining the link between political ideology, perceived impact of sustainable behaviors, and actual engagement. They explored how framing the behavior (health vs. sustainability), emphasizing in-group prevalence, and explicitly stating impact could shift perceptions and encourage participation.
These findings highlight the importance of tailoring sustainability messaging to different political groups, focusing on in-group norms and clear communication of impact. Understanding that subjective perceptions matter as much as objective actions can improve strategies for promoting widespread sustainable behavior across the political spectrum.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Judgment and Decision Making2026
One life of ours equals X lives of theirs: Motivated proportional thinking about the value of lives in different countries
This research demonstrates that people engage in proportional thinking when evaluating the value of lives across countries, meaning they consider a certain number of lost lives in a smaller country equivalent to a larger number in a larger country. This tendency is particularly pronounced when it aligns with motivated reasoning.
Three studies were conducted, using scenarios involving losses of life in countries of differing population sizes. Study 1 established the basic phenomenon of proportional thinking. Studies 2 and 3 then investigated how this thinking is influenced by ingroup bias and moral considerations, examining responses from diverse participant pools.
These findings suggest that judgments about the value of life are not absolute but are shaped by both numerical proportions and underlying motivations. This has implications for understanding how people respond to tragedies, and how perceptions of loss can be influenced by group affiliation and moral judgments.
Bozeman Lab
Journal of Experimental Psychology General2026
Workplace inauthenticity increases organizational cynicism: Multimethod and multicultural evidence.
This research demonstrates that workplace inauthenticity doesn’t simply cause distress, but actively motivates employees to develop cynical attitudes toward their organization. This cynical response is driven by a perceived mismatch between an individual's values and those of the organization.
Six studies, totaling two thousand eight hundred forty-four participants, were conducted using experimental manipulations, cross-lagged, and time-lagged designs. Researchers controlled for individual differences like negativity and replicated findings across multiple samples, including non-U.S. participants and preregistered pilots.
These findings suggest a more dynamic understanding of inauthenticity, framing it as a trigger for active coping mechanisms rather than passive endurance. This has implications for understanding counterproductive work behaviors and the need to align organizational values with employee beliefs.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology2026
Face the difference: Metacontrast as an affordance to spontaneous social categorization.
No abstract available.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Psychological Science2026
To Believe or Not to Believe in Conspiracy Claims? That Is a Question for Signal Detection Theory
Individuals low in conspiracy mentality not only express less belief in conspiracy theories overall but also underestimate how common they are, yet demonstrate greater accuracy in differentiating between justified and unfounded claims. This challenges the assumption that all conspiracy thinking is equal, revealing a nuanced relationship between belief, perception, and discernment.
Researchers employed signal detection theory to assess how individuals evaluate both warranted and unwarranted conspiracy claims, conducting two studies with a combined total of nine hundred and seven participants from France, Switzerland, Belgium, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Participants were recruited via Prolific and asked to assess the likelihood of various conspiracy theories, allowing the researchers to link scores on a conspiracy mentality scale with evaluation accuracy.
These findings suggest that low conspiracy mentality is associated with improved critical thinking regarding conspiracy claims, while high conspiracy mentality leads to both increased belief and an inability to accurately gauge the prevalence of conspiracies. Understanding this spectrum is crucial for developing effective interventions aimed at combating misinformation and fostering healthy skepticism.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Journal of Service Research2026
GenAI-Infused Service Delivery: Micro-Level Augmentation Patterns at the Service Frontline
This research identifies seven distinct patterns of how generative AI augments customer service routines, revealing that AI is primarily implemented “backstage” to support employees before influencing customer interactions. These patterns demonstrate how human employees and AI are beginning to collaborate in new ways within service delivery.
Researchers conducted a longitudinal qualitative study spanning 2020-2024, collecting interview data from 41 employees, managers, and AI experts across two phases – before and after the implementation of generative AI. The team analyzed this data to identify recurring augmentation patterns and understand the mechanisms of AI integration into service routines.
The identified augmentation patterns and service permeation mechanisms offer valuable guidance for practitioners looking to effectively integrate generative AI into customer service. These insights can help manage novel employee-AI collaborations and optimize hybrid human-AI service delivery.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab
Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science2026
Beyond youth: The optimal age for influencer credibility and marketing success
This study reveals an inverted U-shaped relationship between an influencer's apparent age and marketing success. Influencers who appear extremely young or old tend to underperform, while those with a moderate appearance achieve peak engagement.
The research employed four pre-registered studies utilizing experimental, field-experimental, and observational designs. These studies systematically varied influencer appearances and measured marketing outcomes like views, engagement, and purchase intent.
The findings introduce age appearance as a strategic tool for brands and creators. Influencers and platforms can leverage age to optimize engagement and suggest that tailoring appearance to audience demographics can enhance marketing effectiveness.
Bozeman Lab
Journal of Marketing2026
EXPRESS: All the News That’s Fit to Capitalize: How Person Brands Shape Emergent Markets
This research demonstrates that “person brands” – individuals leveraging their personal reputation – play a crucial role in establishing new markets by building organizational identity and attracting initial followers. They utilize social and cultural capital to gain legitimacy in contexts where it is otherwise lacking.
The study employs ethnographic research and analysis of archival data from the early days of the online news market to observe how person brands function as institutional entrepreneurs. This approach allowed the researchers to examine the creation of markets from the ground up.
These findings offer practical guidance for managers and stakeholders operating in emerging markets, highlighting the importance of cultivating a strong organizational identity, compelling founding narrative, and resonant audience connection through person brands. Strategically managing these assets can facilitate long-term growth and legitimacy.
[5m] Dive
Bozeman Lab