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The Aha! Moment
Every day, Binghamton University researchers are making breakthroughs in foundational and applied research that solve critical issues and advance our understanding of the world. Follow The Aha! Moment podcast to hear conversations with the experts behind the latest research breakthroughs. Learn what inspired their discoveries and what these discoveries mean for you.
The Aha! Moment
The psychology of impulse donations at checkout
You're at the checkout, and that familiar prompt appears: "Would you like to round up to the nearest dollar for charity?" Most of us have faced this moment—but what actually drives that split-second decision? In this episode, host David Hermanovitch sits down with Lauren Dula, Associate Professor at Binghamton University's College of Community and Public Affairs, to explore the surprising world of impulse charitable giving. Lauren's research reveals that checkout donors aren't just smaller versions of traditional philanthropists—they're completely different. Discover what sparks these micro-donations, who's most likely to give, and what this means for the future of charitable fundraising. Whether you're a shopper, a nonprofit professional, or simply curious about human behavior, this conversation will change how you think about that next checkout prompt.
