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on Neuroeconomics |
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Issue of 2011‒07‒27
three papers chosen by |
| By: | Quamrul Ashraf; Oded Galor |
| Abstract: | This research argues that deep-rooted factors, determined tens of thousands of years ago, had a significant effect on the course of economic development from the dawn of human civilization to the contemporary era. It advances and empirically establishes the hypothesis that, in the course of the exodus of Homo sapiens out of Africa, variation in migratory distance from the cradle of humankind to various settlements across the globe affected genetic diversity and has had a long-lasting effect on the pattern of comparative economic development that is not captured by geographical, institutional, and cultural factors. In particular, the level of genetic diversity within a society is found to have a hump-shaped effect on development outcomes in both the pre-colonial and the modern era, reflecting the trade-off between the beneficial and the detrimental effects of diversity on productivity. While the intermediate level of genetic diversity prevalent among Asian and European populations has been conducive for development, the high degree of diversity among African populations and the low degree of diversity among Native American populations have been a detrimental force in the development of these regions. |
| JEL: | N10 N30 N50 O11 O50 Z10 |
| Date: | 2011–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:nbr:nberwo:17216&r=neu |
| By: | Nick Mehrdad Loghmani |
| Abstract: | Harmonic theory provides a mathematical framework to describe the structure, behavior, evolution and emergence of harmonic systems. A harmonic system is context aware, contains elements that manifest characteristics either collaboratively or independently according to system's expression and can interact with its environment. This theory provides a fresh way to analyze emergence and collaboration of "ad-hoc" and complex systems. |
| Date: | 2011–07 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arx:papers:1107.4057&r=neu |
| By: | Preez, Du; Rensburg, Janse Van; Terblanche-Smit, Marlize |
| Abstract: | Social marketers play a pivotal role in influencing consumer's food choices, which ultimately contribute to healthier societies. In 2005, approximately 1.6 billion people worldwide, and 50% of the South African population, were classified as overweight. These numbers are escalating together with health related illnesses. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between self-concept, self-efficacy, emotional state, weight perception and food choice within Generation Y, a coveted consumer segment, regarded as trendsetters and early-adopters. An ex post facto research design and a self-administered questionnaire were utilized. The main findings include significant relationships between emotional state and food choice as well as weight perception and self-concept. The significance of this study lies in the expansion of knowledge regarding food choice behaviour of Generation Y and recommendations made to social marketers based on relationships found. |
| Keywords: | Generation Y; self-efficacy; food choice; weight perception; emotional state; Self-concept |
| Date: | 2011 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:nsu:apasro:356&r=neu |