Predictably Irrational

Investigating the Hidden Forces that Shape Our Decisions

Dan Ariely is a behavioral scientist at MIT and the author of Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces that Shape Our Decisions. See full bio

August 26, 2008

Procrastination and Self Control

Here is a video dedicated to the start of a new academic year. Today we all have good intentions, but what will come of these intentions in the future?

August 12, 2008

Is Divorce Good for Relationships?

Can divorce be good for (subsequent) relationships? Maybe. Only after we've undergone the heartwrenching trauma of a divorce or serious breakup do we understand the fragility of a relationship—and the importance of putting in the effort to make it work. Read More

August 11, 2008

The Odd Thing About Relativity

The odd thing about relativity is that we judge almost everything in terms of how it is relative to other things--not relative to everything, only relative to a few things, mostly to the things that are close by and easily comparable. Read More

August 6, 2008

Microsoft, Beer and Vinegar

Microsoft was able to defy negative expectations about Windows Vista...but with a problematic experiment. Read More

August 4, 2008

Keeping Options Open -- A Quick Video

We don't like to close off our options, even if it's costly to keep them open. Read More

July 30, 2008

Prices of the iPhone

Were the iPhone price reductions a smart move? Read More

July 22, 2008

Are We Paying Too Much Attention to the Price of Gas?

The rise in what we spend on gas is not nearly as extreme as our increases in categories like electricity and telephone. So why does the amount we spend on gasoline feel so enormous? I think it is because of the way we buy gas. Read More

April 11, 2008

Clinton, Obama, and the decoy effect!

Clinton recently suggested that if she wins the Democratic primaries, she would select Obama as her vice president. Was this a good move on her part? How should Obama have reacted to this? Read More

April 5, 2008

Sub prime mortgages

Should we be surprised by the sub-prime mortgage crisis? Read More

March 16, 2008

Do we know enough to give stimulus packages?

The US government is clearly under some pressure to take action in an attempt to stabilize the economy, and as a consequence, just announced a $150 billion (more or less) stimulus packages that is supposed to rejuvenate the economy and stabilize the market. Will the current plan achieve the government’s goals?
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Books by Dan Ariely

Predictably Irrational, Revised and Expanded Edition: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions

Behavioral Economics Basics

Why do we often think we know what we want, only to be disappointed with our purchases and choices? Behavioral economics studies just how irrational we humans can be.

Go to the Behavioral Economics Basics page for more on Behavioral Economics including:

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