Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely

 Dr. Dan Ariely is a professor of behavioral economics at MIT et alii.  In this book he catalogs how, contrary to assumptions, people don't generally act rationally, but that their irrational behavior follows predictable patterns.  In his position as an academic researcher, he has conducted a variety of research studies that demonstrate how people are swayed by suggest, emotion, offers of free stuff, the placebo effect and other influences. His studies are unconventional, often ethically questionable and amusing.  The writing is engaging, clearly written for the popular market.

I read this book because it was recommended by a co-worker.  I found it interesting and thought provoking.  There were some things about it that were suboptimal.  I did worry that some of the studies he did were unethical.  Also, while he delighted in showing human foibles, he didn't really set for any theory as to why we might be that way.  That's fine, because any theory he might propose would be speculation, but I did feel as if he was mostly just either laughing or shaking his head at the human family in kind of a demeaning way.  It would have gone over better with me if he had said something like, "the fact that the placebo effect work shows what a wonderful thing the human body is,"  or "Human propensity to be drawn to things that are offered for free stems from hundreds of generations where survival was at a subsistence level, and those who took advantage of free food and commodities were those who survived." Still, I am glad I read it and will probably recommend it to others. (2010, 384 p)