I was very excited to have the opportunity to attend the lecture by Dan Ariely, author of Predictably Irrational, hosted by Synergy (Marketing Club) and the Finance Academy.  As a marketing major, I am interested in the psychology of consumer behavior and Ariely’s lecture provided great insight into why consumers repeatedly act in seemingly irrational ways.

Ariely’s years of research are fascinating and exciting because they are so applicable to everyday life.  I mentioned in my introduction to the lecture that my favorite takeaway from the book was the fact that you are more likely to get phone numbers from cute guys if you go barhopping with your slightly less attractive friend.  Although this may seem silly, it perfectly exemplifies Ariely’s point that we use present comparisons to make decisions about what we like less difficult.  

In addition to learning ways to pick up guys at bars, Ariely also helped to highlight why honor codes really do work on campus.  Given that I attend the university with the oldest honor code, this was a really great point and reinforced the importance of this long-standing institution.  (The trick is, professors, to remind students right before an exam that they are to abide by the Honor Code)

It was a wonderful opportunity to hear Dan Ariely speak and I must thank Professor Lisa Szykman for encouraging him to come speak.  Ariely’s visit was a real treat for everyone in attendance, interesting not only marketing students, but also members of the Finance Academy and liberal arts majors.