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Holiday Season Experts

Ask our Experts
Posted on December 8, 2017

Artificial Intelligence in toys 

Santa’s workshop better be up to speed! He is likely getting a lot of requests for toys featuring Artificial Intelligence (AI). Sandra Chang-Kredl, assistant professor in the Department of Education and an expert on children's popular culture, can offer insight into this new trend and how parents can survive the tech-toy hype.

Sandra Chang-Kredl, assistant professor, Department of Education
514-848-2424, ext. 8632
Sandra.Chang-Kredl@Concordia.ca

 

When looking for the “best” brings out the worst in consumers

When a Martha Stewart or Kim Kardashian tells consumers about the “best” product, they create a scarcity mindset where people feel as if they “don’t have enough”. This leads to a drive to acquire what’s “best” at almost any cost. Caroline Roux, assistant professor of marketing, explores what she calls a “maximizing mindset” and how it can lead shoppers to set aside their own values, such as behaving morally and honestly, in their quest to possess the best. 

Caroline Roux, assistant professor, Department of Marketing, John Molson School of Business
514-848-2424, ext. 4182
Caroline.Roux@concordia.ca

 

The parenting dilemma: telling the truth VS talking about Santa

The jig is up! A little one has discovered the truth about Santa Claus. What's the best way to break the bad news about the big guy? Kristen Dunfield, assistant professor in the Centre for Research in Human Development, can offer tips on how and when to tell kids the truth.

Kristen Dunfield, assistant professor, Department of Psychology
514-848-2424, ext. 4281 
Kristen.Dunfield@concordia.ca

 

Whose birthday do we celebrate at Christmas anyway? 

André Gagné, professor in the department of Theological Studies in the Faculty of Arts and Science, examines the origins of Christ’s birth  and the place of spirituality in current Christmas celebrations. He also raises questions about the validity of December 25 as the day Jesus Christ was born. Gagné points out the Gospels present conflicting information regarding the location and timeline of the birth of the child Christians believe is the son of God. 

André Gagné, professor, Department of Theological Studies
Cell: 514-999-4188
Andre.gagne@concordia.ca

 

The role of holidays in binding generations

Sharing leisure time during the holiday season is important for strengthening the bonds between grandparents, their adult children and grandchildren. Shannon Hebblethwaite has conducted research on the benefits of family cohesion. Among her findings: that inter-generational family get-togethers allow grandparents to teach, mentor and pass on legacies and that strong relationships with their grandchildren help seniors age better and feel more positive about life. 

Shannon Hebblethwaite, associate professor, Department of Applied Human Sciences
514-848-2424 ext. 2259   
Shannon.Hebblethwaite@Concordia.ca
(Unavailable Dec. 12)

 

Healthy holidays, an oxymoron?

Festive gatherings are central to so many holiday traditions. But do your healthy diet and good exercise habits have to fall by the wayside? Théa Demmers, supervisor in the PERFORM Centre’s Nutrition Suite, can offer tips on how to stick to good, healthy habits even during holiday celebrations.

Thea Demmers, supervisor, Nutrition Suite, PERFORM Centre
514-848-2424, ext. 4018
Thea.Demmers@concordia.ca

 

Consumer seduction by design 

Zeynep Arsel, associate professor in the John Molson School of Business’s Department of Marketing, has researched the conditions that ensure the most pleasant shopping experience. Arsel found familiarity in decor elements encourages people to support their favourite businesses.

Zeynep Arsel, associate professor, Department of Marketing, JMSB
514-848-2424, ext. 2956
zeynep.arsel@concordia.ca
(available only until December 15)

 

The real deal on holiday sales 

Retailers have realized people now shop for themselves while they are picking up gifts for others. Their advertising would have us believe ‘tis the season for great bargains. Robert Soroka, a lecturer in the Department of Marketing in the John Molson School of Business, can help sort the real deals from the hype.

Robert Soroka, lecturer, Department of Marketing, JMSB
514-848-2424 ext. 3691
Robert.Soroka@concordia.ca

 

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