The Georgia State University TCORS addresses a fundamental aspect of regulatory science:
the understanding of the human and economic factors that contribute to decision-making regarding the use of tobacco products. An international and multi-disciplinary team of experts drawn from a wide array of social sciences and public health disciplines lead the effort. Their integrated approach utilizes scientifically-based and rigorously tested methodologies to examine three areas related to tobacco consumption:
- human economic behavior around tobacco use,
- consumer reaction to tobacco product marketing, and
- individual perception of the risk of tobacco products, specifically novel and alternative products.
The Center directs three inter-related research projects, where state-of-the-art experimental, virtual and online survey research methodologies are used to further the understanding of factors that contribute to an individual’s decision to use tobacco products. Analysis and interpretation of these results will provide evidence that has direct implications for future FDA regulatory actions.
Project #1
Led by Principal Investigator Frank J. Chaloupka, a team of economists is conducting human economic behavioral experiments to produce new evidence to inform future FDA economic impact assessments. The project analyzes the impact of FDA regulatory actions and other tobacco control policies on tobacco use, its related outcomes, and on associated consumer surplus. The research also aims to extend the range of costs and benefits included in future FDA assessments.
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Project #2
Principal Investigator Matthew Farrelly leads a team utilizing visual immersion methodology to examine the point of purchase environment and how it can be changed to influence consumer behavior. Using an innovative virtual reality setting called the Tobacco iShoppe, the team can test how hypothetical changes in store conditions, such as warning labels, point of purchase marketing and tobacco pricing, affect targeted consumer decision-making. The results can guide future FDA policy options relating to the point-of-purchase setting.
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Project #3
Led by Principal Investigator and Program Director Michael Eriksen, this project’s team will conduct survey and qualitative research to monitor the use of and perceptions about tobacco products, specifically targeting novel and alternative tobacco products. The study results can then influence future FDA strategic communications about these products and inform future regulatory action on this emerging market.
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