A few weeks ago, on March 1, 2019, I wrote a seemingly innocuous post on Facebook seeking my network’s opinions regarding my most recent professional photos. Specifically, I wrote: “ Time to pick my new work profile pic! What looks more “professorial” - left or right? ” The two photos are reproduced below. Little did I know that this post would generate the greatest number of non-birthday comments ever (87!). On Instagram, the same post got 25 comments. Without even realizing it, I was conducting a survey experiment. The photo on the left displayed only a hint of a smile, chin up, and head slightly tilted to the right. The one on the right had me smiling a toothy smile, chin down, and head tilted left. Otherwise, the pictures were identical, down to the arm fold, slightly unruly hair, and outfit. (The only give-away that I didn’t originally plan this as an experiment was the fact that the two pictu...
This blog contains an eclectic array of tidbits of my life. As a behavioral economist, I write about preferences, beliefs, gender gaps, persuasion, and other topics. I also post about my other passions: Taekwon-Do, food, fashion, and travel. Finally, as a working mom, I am forever seeking that elusive balance between parenthood, career, and hobbies. Find me on Twitter @OlgaShurchkov and my TKD Instagram @olga5thdan