Research Links Material Scarcity to Reduced Cognitive Capacity
What happened
Sendhil Mullainathan and Eldar Shafir published research in American Psychological Association journals regarding the cognitive impact of scarcity. The authors suggest that scarcity consumes mental bandwidth, which can lead to ongoing deficits in planning and problem-solving.
From scoop.co.nz
Why it matters
The research indicates that material insecurity—such as lack of stable housing, food, or healthcare—can limit the cognitive resources and time people have available. This cognitive burden may make civic participation harder and affect an individual's capacity to navigate complex systems.
From scoop.co.nz
Who's involved
- Sendhil MullainathanCo-authored the research on scarcity and cognitive impact
- Eldar ShafirCo-authored the research on scarcity and cognitive impact
- American Psychological AssociationPublished the academic work in its journals
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The entities involved
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American Psychological Association
scientific and professional organization headquartered in the Washington, D.C.
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Sendhil Mullainathan
Indian economist
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Eldar Shafir
American psychologist
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