A comprehensive analysis led by Gideon Nave from the Wharton School challenges previous assumptions linking testosterone to reduced cognitive empathy, a trait impaired in autism, by conducting large-scale studies that found no causal relationship. This research contests the ‘extreme male brain’ hypothesis and encourages further investigation into autism’s origins without simplifying it to testosterone effects.…Read More
Researchers at the School of Engineering and Applied Science and the Max Planck Institute are investigating the brain activation patterns that influence the speed of learning, comparing how cognitive control might slow down the learning process. Their study, published in Nature Neuroscience and led by Danielle Bassett and Evelyn Tang, explores how geometric patterns of brain activity can impact learning outcomes.…Read More
Neuroscientist Anjan Chatterjee explores how the brain responds to art, questioning traditional concepts of art’s value and the impact of AI-generated art, in the newly established Penn Center for Neuroaesthetics. His findings highlight the evolutionary basis for perceiving beauty and art while acknowledging the cultural and neurological influences and pondering the implications of AI in this space.…Read More
The article discusses how business growth is largely determined by influencing the subconscious brand preferences of customers through positive associations, challenging traditional marketing concepts that focus solely on single brand messages. Using the concept of ‘Brand Connectome’, it highlights the need for brands to create strong networks of positive associations to dominate consumer choice and drive business success.…Read More
The study, led by Gideon Nave and Philipp Koellinger, examined the relationship between brain volume and cognitive performance, concluding that while a positive relationship exists, brain size accounts for only a small percentage of performance variance. The research utilized data from over 13,600 individuals, controlling for various confounding factors, and highlighted the need for future studies to consider brain anatomy in cognitive health investigations.…Read More
The Wharton Neuroscience Initiative explores the intersection of neuroscience and business, particularly how the brain influences consumer choices and management strategies. Arthur Lee, a graduate student at Wharton, is at the forefront of this research, studying neural circuits to predict decision-making and collaborating with leading scholars like Michael Platt to integrate neuroscience into business applications.…Read More
The article discusses the impact of social network structures on problem-solving and brain activity, noting that individuals who serve as ‘information brokers’ in their networks tend to be better problem solvers and use their social brain networks more effectively. Research suggests that the capacity to connect different social groups enriches social brain networks and influences decision-making, communication, and ultimately success in various aspects of life.…Read More
A study led by Wharton professor Gideon Nave investigates the association between musical preferences and personality traits, offering marketers and data scientists insights into personalizing customer interactions while raising privacy concerns. The research, which used music dimensions and Facebook likes as data sources, underscores the potential for using digital footprints to accurately predict traits like openness and extroversion; however, ethical considerations about data usage in marketing are highlighted, especially in light of privacy controversies such as Cambridge Analytica.…Read More
New research by Wharton marketing professor Deborah Small explores why donors often prioritize emotional connections over rational effectiveness when choosing charitable organizations, suggesting a compromise that combines personal relevance with effectiveness information might optimize donation impact. The study highlights the challenges charities face in marketing and transparency, while proposing that reframing cost-effectiveness information could improve donor decision-making.…Read More
The Wharton Neuroscience Initiative aims to integrate neuroscience and business to explore areas where the two fields can inform each other, with a focus on decision-making and creating a common language for interdisciplinary collaboration. Led by Michael Platt and Elizabeth Johnson, the initiative seeks to create research and educational opportunities that engage the academic and broader community through courses, conferences, and partnerships.…Read More
