Money does matter

Bujibuji Simba Nyamaume

JF-Expert Member
Feb 4, 2009
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Money does matter
Worried about how you'll behave when you win the lotto? A recent study shows that even just thinking about money may actually affect behavior.
"The mere presence of money changes people," says researcher Dr Kathleen Vohs, from the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management. "The effect can be negative or positive," she adds.
Vohs' team studied nearly 300 undergraduates in nine experiments. Some students received play money, and others sat in front of computers with money screensavers. For comparison, other students didn't get any money, and sat at computers with screensavers of landscapes or other scenes.
In every test, students who received or were reminded of money:
  • Were more self-sufficient
  • Worked longer by themselves before asking for help
  • Were less inclined to help others when asked
  • Preferred to work and spend their leisure time alone
The researchers noted that "the self-sufficient pattern helps explain why people view money as both the greatest good and evil". While not everyone reacts the same way to money, if the findings of this study are correct, it shows that "merely thinking about money can push people into a narrowly individualistic frame of mind".
Remember this when your ship comes in!
 
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