Prof. Magda Osman
Head of Research and Analaysis
I am Head of Research and Analysis Centre for Science and Policy, University of Cambridge, as well as Principal Researcher (Prof.) of basic and applied decision-making at the University of Cambridge.
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I am a psychologist by training, with a specific interest in decision-making under risk and uncertainty, folk beliefs in the unconscious, as well as an interest in examining effectiveness of methods of behavioural change.
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I work closely with others in disciplines including: machine learning, management, philosophy, linguistics, neuroscience, behavioural economic, economics, and medical sciences.
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I am also interested in science communication, and understanding effective ways of engaging the public on matters related to social policy.
Research Interests
The ethos of my work has been to take a critical eye to well accepted views and challenge the status quo. As a result, my research interests cover a range of areas that include decision-making, learning, problem-solving, biases, risk and uncertainty, agency and control, and the unconscious.
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My research helps answer questions like:
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How do we make decisions in uncertain and risky situations?
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What common folk beliefs are there on how our unconscious is being manipulated?
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Why do some factors impact our choices more than others?
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Why nudges are not the answer to effective wide scale behavioural change?
Arts Collaborations
