BORBS XVIII: A Cognitive Bias in Operations Research: Understanding Human Decision-Making to Enhance Methodologies

Maura E Halstead (presenting author), Manuel Lopez-Ibanez, George Farmer, and Paul Warren

Abstract

When designing new operations research (OR) methods, it’s crucial to consider how the human decision-maker will actually use these methods. Some methods that consider the human element assume that humans will make suboptimal decisions and offer ways to avoid such decisions. This assumption for suboptimal behavior is known as cognitive bias and comes from simple tasks in the psychology of judgment and decision-making. However, this domain revolves around simple tasks that do not measure or consider factors relevant to OR methods. As a result, we do not know if, when, how, or why cognitive biases occur in OR settings. Without this knowledge, we cannot reliably create methods or processes to overcome such behavior. This presentation will discuss one specific cognitive bias and demonstrate how behavioral experiments benefit the OR community.

Why should you join: Participants will learn why it is important to study cognitive phenomena in OR. They will also see the benefits of conducting such research.

Why should you join?

  • Participants will learn why it is important to study cognitive phenomena in OR.
  • They will also see the benefits of conducting such research.

April 10th, 2025

12 PM to 12.40 PM (UK, London)

1 PM; to 1.40 PM (CET, Berlin)

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89143663283?pwd=kxdJrqXHfZ0O2nJVPL7TgfCBfuJtRq.1

Meeting-ID: 891 4366 3283

Kenncode: 1

Comment: In case of technical problems, please visit https://www.euro-online.org/websites/bor/behavioral-operation-research-brown-bag-seminar-series/ before the start of the meeting.