Roman Family Center for Decision Research

10/14/2026

What makes some personal goals stick while others quietly fade away? Is success really about willpower, or about making progress feel easier and more rewarding?

This week’s Workshop featured Marina Milyavskaya (Carleton University), who presented "Pursuing Personal Goals: The Role of the Individual, the Goal, and the Context."

Her talk explored how personal goal pursuit is shaped not just by who we are, but also by the goals we set and the contexts in which we pursue them.

📩 Stay up to date on behavioral science research, events, and programs. Sign up for emails from the : https://www.chicagobooth.edu/research/roman

10/07/2026

Would you send your robot to the gym? What skills are you outsourcing when you rely on ? 🤖

AI can make work more efficient, but leadership is still built through practice, reflection, and real experience. Linda Ginzel (University of Chicago Booth School of Business) reminds us not to let AI replace the moments that help us grow as leaders.

✅ Read more: https://www.chicagobooth.edu/review/would-you-send-your-robot-gym via Chicago Booth Review

When using AI, don’t neglect your leadership skills.

10/06/2026

How often do we assume the worst about social interaction, and miss out because of it?

On Oct 21, Nicholas Epley (The University of Chicago) will explore how misplaced social fears and overly pessimistic expectations can keep us from the very connections that make life better.

This Think Better talk will offer research-backed insights into why we hold back, along with practical ways to move past those barriers.

🎁 Bonus: The first 50 guests to check in will receive a free copy of Epley’s latest book, A Little More Social: How Small Choices Create Unexpected Happiness, Health, and Connection. Register today!

🗓️ Wed, Oct 21 | 6:00 - 7:00 PM CDT
📍 In person in Hyde Park or online
🎟️ Free RSVP: https://events.humanitix.com/think-better-with-nicholas-epley?c=social

University of Chicago Booth School of Business Mindworks UChicago College The University of Chicago Law School Behavioral Insights and Parenting Lab The University of Chicago

10/06/2026

How do we know when to trust our own decisions?

Yesterday at our Workshop, Dobromir Rahnev (Georgia Institute of Technology) presented "How the mind computes confidence." He shared research on the surprisingly simple computations behind confidence in multi-alternative decisions, showing when confidence tracks accuracy, and when it systematically fails.

💌 Stay up to date on behavioral science research, events, and programs. Sign up for emails from the : https://www.chicagobooth.edu/research/roman

10/02/2026

🎯 Come play Plinko, hang out with us, and learn about behavioral science research opportunities! 🧠✨

📍 Find us TODAY at the Engagement Expo in the Main Quad, Table #252. Stop by and say hi!

10/02/2026

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our table at the College Kick-Off and Academic Opportunity Fair this week!

We loved connecting with so many of you, and we’re excited that over 100 students joined our behavioral science study and learned more about our center.

We’re looking forward to meeting even more The University of Chicago students and Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs) at the Engagement Expo today. See you there!

📩 Stay up to date on behavioral science research, events, and programs. Sign up for emails from the : https://www.chicagobooth.edu/research/roman

10/01/2026

How well do we really understand other people?

Research coauthored by Chicago Booth’s Nicholas Epley shows that trying to adopt another person’s perspective does not necessarily improve interpersonal understanding. In fact, directly asking people about their perspective is far more effective.

➡️ Read more about Prof. Epley’s insights featured in Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kevinkruse/2026/08/27/new-data-suggests-that-empathy-drives-ai-adoption/

🧠 Join us for Think Better with Nicholas Epley: “Living a Little More Social: The Unexpected Power of Choosing to Connect” on Oct 21. FREE RSVP: https://events.humanitix.com/think-better-with-nicholas-epley?c=social

New data suggests empathy drives AI adoption: nearly 9 in 10 employees in empathetic cultures feel ready for AI, versus just a third in toxic ones.

10/01/2026

Are there patterns behind the things you like and dislike? Are those patterns universal or unique to you?

Explore the science behind your preferences in "What Catches Your Mind?", a brand-new digital exhibit at Mindworks.

Learn more and book your FREE visit to try it for yourself: https://www.chicagobooth.edu/mindworks/explore/exhibits/what-catches-your-mind

09/29/2026

Join us Wednesday, October 21 for “Living a Little More Social: The Unexpected Power of Choosing to Connect." This free Think Better talk will help you better understand and overcome common barriers to social connection.

📍 In person at the David Rubenstein Forum at the The University of Chicago, or online

🎟️ Register Now - Think Better with Nicholas Epley: https://events.humanitix.com/think-better-with-nicholas-epley?c=social

09/25/2026

Richard Dawkins comes to Chicago on October 18 for a live conversation with Nicholas Epley (University of Chicago Booth School of Business) at Chicago Symphony Center. Don’t miss the chance to hear one of the world’s most influential scientific thinkers in person. Register Today: https://howtoacademy.com/north-america-events/richard-dawkins-genes-and-the-meaning-of-life-2/