
Behavioral Science Books
COMING SOON
The Ritual Effect
From Michael Norton, co-author of Happy Money, comes one of the top upcoming behavioral science books. The Ritual Effect is based on a decade of Michael’s original research, and draws from psychology, economics, neuroscience, and anthropology to illustrate the importance and demonstrable benefits of rituals in our lives.
In The Ritual Effect, we learn that rituals are not only surprisingly pervasive and highly effective, but also immensely versatile. From alleviating performance anxiety to fostering deeper relationships, from savoring a meal to coping with grief, rituals produce a truly astonishing array of psychological and emotional responses that are specific to—and often specifically helpful for—whatever challenge we face.
The Ritual Effect tells a causal story, demonstrating not only that rituals are correlated with better outcomes, but that they have a direct effect on our thoughts, our feelings, and our quality of life. The Ritual Effect stands among behavioral science books advancing bold new ideas, concepts, and insights. It draws on both original research and established expertise to help readers build a life which combines productivity, pleasure, and purpose—and savor it along the way.


AVAILABLE NOW
Happy Money: The Science of Happier Spending
Two professors combine their fascinating and cutting-edge research in behavioral science to explain how money can buy happiness—if you follow their five core principles of happier spending.
Most people recognize that they need professional advice on how to earn, save, and invest their money. When it comes to spending that money, most people just follow their intuitions. But scientific research shows that those intuitions are often wrong.
Happy Money offers a tour of research on the science of spending, explaining how you can get more happiness for your money. Authors Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton have outlined five principles—from choosing experiences over stuff to spending money on others—to guide not only individuals looking for financial security, but also companies seeking to create happier employees and provide “happier products” to their customers. Dunn and Norton show how companies from Google to Pepsi to Charmin have put these ideas into action.
Testimonials
Daniel Gilbert, author of Stumbling on Happiness
If you think money doesn't buy happiness, then you're just not spending it right. In this lively and engaging book, Dunn and Norton use the latest scientific research to show how you can get a bigger emotional bang for your hard-earned bucks. Happy Money isn't a purchase; it's an investment—and a shrewd one at that.
Dan Ariely, author of Predictably Irrational
No one understands how to get more happiness out of our money better than Liz Dunn and Mike Norton. Their research is not only on the cutting edge—it changes where the edge is. Like stand-up comedians of science, Dunn and Norton take ordinary observations that everybody experiences and craftily distill them with a clarity that makes us laugh, and then makes us think. They have done us a great service by sharing their knowledge with us in the easy-to-apply principles they present in this book.
Chip Heath, co-author of Made to Stick and Switch
Many books have been written to tell you how to make money, save money, and invest money. Now there's a book that can tell you how to spend it. Wisely.
The Economist
Packed with tips...people will come away from this book believing it was money well spent.
Kirkus Reviews
[Dunn and Norton's] infectious enthusiasm for their subject is admirable.... They provide an interesting exploration of increasing happiness by buying time, as well as ways to address budgeting.
Publishers Weekly
University of British Columbia psychology professor Dunn and Harvard Business School marketing professor Norton, friends from graduate school, offer a witty, lively guide to changing the philosophy behind spending so that it brings you true joy.... Readers cannot help but be charmed by this funny, warm guide to creating the good life from scratch.
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