Tim Harford: Growth and the US economy
Psychological insight: This relates to segmentation and is a great summary of why the general growth in the US economy might not be felt throughout the US population. It’s a great reminder to look at different sections of the population and how economic change affects them. For example, Tim points out that the prime age employment rate is not high compared to pre-pandemic levels. He also points out that real median household income has fallen in the last five years and poverty has risen.
https://timharford.com/2025/01/high-growth-doesnt-tell-the-story-of-the-us-economy
WARC: 4 types of attention
Psychological insight: Did you know that there are four different ways in which customers can pay attention to you? Instinctual attention as the name suggests is based on instinct such as a loud bang, emotional attention is based on affective information, cognitive attention makes people think, and planned attention is deliberate and directed.
Guardian: Does food alter your brain?
Psychological insight: well this is a fascinating read about the supposed science of food and brain behaviour. However it concludes that the results are very much dependent on a persons individual brain which is of course affected by a wide variety of other variables such as genetics and environment.
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/jan/06/the-big-idea-can-what-you-eat-change-your-mind?
The Drum: Health-conscious campaigns in January
Psychological insight: Whilst January is an optimum time for brands to encourage new behaviours (the fresh start effect), brands need to ensure this is perceived as genuinely helpful to customers and not a cynical way to make money.
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