Lab Members

The Center for Neuroeconomics Studies (CNS) investigates the neurophysiology of economic decisions. Its researchers draw on economic theory, experimental economics, neuroscience, endocrinology, and psychology to develop a comprehensive understanding of human decisions.

Directed by Paul Zak, the Center for Neuroeconomics Studies examines the basis for selfish and selfless behaviors. The mission of CNS is to help people make better decisions and to identify why some people consistently make bad decisions. CNS conducts research using both healthy subjects and neurologic and psychiatric patients with collaborators worldwide.

Click on a photo below to learn more about our distinguished staff members.

Paul J. Zak
Paul J. Zak

Paul J. Zak is a scientist, prolific author, entrepreneur, TV personality, and public speaker. He is the founding Director of the Center for Neuroeconomics studies and Professor of Economics, Psychology and Management at Claremont Graduate University. He has degrees in mathematics and economics from San Diego University, a Ph. D. in economics from University of Pennsylvania, and post-doctoral training in neuroimaging from Harvard. He is credited with the first published use of the term “neuroeconomics” and has been a vanguard in this new discipline. He has organized and administers the first doctoral program in neuroeconomics in the world at Claremont Graduate University. Dr. Zak is a recognized expert in oxytocin. His lab discovered in 2004 that oxytocin allows us to determine who to trust. This knowledge is being used to understand the basis for civilization and modern economies, improve negotiations, and treat patients with neurologic and psychiatric disorders.

C. Mónica Capra
C. Mónica Capra

Professor Capra is a social naturalist interested in utilizing novel tools to better understand and predict economic behavior in the lab and in the field. She initiated cross-disciplinary collaborations with neuroscientists at Emory University in 2004, where she taught before joining CGU. Professor Capra is a native of Bolivia. She got her IBD from the prestigious United World Colleges of the Pacific in British Columbia Canada, her bachelors degree from Franklin and Marshall College (cum laude), and her PhD in Economics from the University of Virginia. Capra has notable contributions in behavioral game theory, including the explicit modeling of introspection with error and the study of the effects of mood and emotions in games and markets. Her contributions to behavioral economic applications include: investigating the role of personality on risk preferences and choices of adolescents, women, and entrepreneurs. Finally, her interdisciplinary collaborations with neuroscientists have rendered important contributions in the areas of behavioral finance and moral decision-making.

Joshua Tasoff
Joshua Tasoff

Joshua Tasoff is an Associate Professor of Economics at Claremont Graduate University. He conducts theoretical and experimental research in behavioral economics. Specifically he has worked on research topics regarding information preferences and anticipatory utility, overoptimism about one’s future behavior, and exponential-growth bias – the tendency to neglect compounding interest in financial decisions. He received his Ph.D. in economics from UC Berkeley and his B.S. in economics from MIT.

Jorge Barraza
Jorge Barraza

Jorge A. Barraza is a Clinical Professor at the University of Southern California (USC). His research focuses on the neuropsychology of emotional states and decision-making, with an emphasis on the experience of other focused emotions and prosocial behaviors. Dr. Barraza has extensive training and experience in basic and applied research methodologies and has published articles and chapter on volunteerism, prosocial motivation, empathy, and the role of oxytocin in human sociality. He has also conducted evaluation research and consulting for non-profit organizations in Southern California. In addition, Dr. Barraza is interested in the use of scientifically informed practices for promoting physical and mental well-being in everyday life.

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