Psychology and the Economy

• How has psychological research impacted hospitals and schools?

  It has improved their operations for society
• What is a simple definition of the economy?

  Production and consumption of goods and services
• How can psychological research be used by governments and companies?

  To improve the economy through education and health
• What did Rutter's research on Romanian orphans show?

  Lack of maternal affection harms development
• How have hospitals improved due to psychological research?

  By enhancing visiting hours and maternal contact
• What is the impact of placing children with loving families sooner?

  Better outcomes for children and workforce
• What is the role of the nudge unit in social influence research?

  To improve tax collection and recycling
• How does social influence affect charitable giving?

  It encourages people to donate more money
• How do companies like Facebook use operant conditioning?

  By using social rewards to engage users
• What is variable ratio reinforcement and its effect?

  It drives compulsive behavior in users
• What mental health conditions have drug treatments improved?

  Anxiety, depression, OCD, and schizophrenia
• How do drug treatments benefit the economy?

  They allow people to return to work
• What has research by Loftus shown about eyewitness testimony?

  It has limitations that require careful use
• How does improving the criminal justice system affect the economy?

  It saves government money in the long run
• What are some other topics where psychological research has improved society?

  • Physical health
  • Relationships
  • Advertising
  • Human resources
  • Productivity
  • Educational techniques