Qualitative research traditionally has been restricted to small samples due to the time-consuming nature of the analysis. Thanks to innovative software programs, it can now be applied to social media’s large data files using text-based natural language programs that sort words and show networked relationships. The process is not foolproof. The idiomatic idiosyncrasies of conversation…
The actuary’s next behavioral science toolkit
While actuaries are familiar with SQL and Microsoft Excel, and can use these applications to prepare data for consumption, these applications are not without fault. With the ever-increasing volume of data, desktop applications such as Excel and Access can quickly reach their limit. To overcome such constraints, cloud computing has introduced concepts of elasticity and…
Using personas to make technology like cryptocurrency and blockchain relatable
The price movement of Bitcoin and Ethereum last year propelled blockchain, the underlying technology of all crypto-assets, into mainstream consciousness. Yet as the overvaluation of cryptocurrencies undergoes a major (and much needed) correction, it remains important to understand the implications of distributed ledger/blockchain technology. We see tremendous potential for blockchain in emerging economies. Financial services…
Big data and the psychology of behavior and cognition
There are many genetic tests available today that can provide information on heredity and susceptibility to diseases. It is important to note that virtually all diseases have an environmental component to them. This means that just because one is more susceptible to a disease doesn’t mean they will get it, and if one is not…
Q&A With Simpa Baiye, FSA, MAAA, CFA, director at PwC
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