Kelly Goldsmith is a behavioral scientist with deep expertise in consumer behavior and decision-making, marketing, and survey research. Professor Goldsmith analyzes consumers’ psychological responses and consumption in contexts involving resource limitations, ethical considerations, and the perceived authenticity of product messaging. She has particular expertise in consumer behavior and attitudes related to sustainable and “green” products.
Professor Goldsmith has been retained as an expert witness.
In her research, Professor Goldsmith examines the efficacy of different consumer marketing strategies, such as limited-time online sales, and how people’s means of acquiring products can influence their self-worth and signal social status. In the realm of sustainable choices, she studies consumers’ evaluations of “green” product claims. Notably, Professor Goldsmith has analyzed how perceived benefits shape consumer purchasing decisions and the role that resource scarcity and uncertainty can play in the adoption of sustainable products.
Professor Goldsmith has published articles in leading peer-reviewed psychology and marketing journals, including the Journal of Consumer Psychology, the Journal of Marketing Research, and the Journal of the Association for Consumer Research. She has contributed chapters to reference books focused on marketing, retailing, and consumer behavior. Professor Goldsmith also serves on several editorial boards.
Professor Goldsmith’s research has been featured extensively by news media, including the BBC, Bloomberg, Business Insider, the New York Times, NPR, Time magazine, the Wall Street Journal, and the Washington Post.
At Vanderbilt, Professor Goldsmith has been recognized multiple times for outstanding research and teaching. She has over fifteen years of experience teaching courses in marketing and quantitative methods to undergraduate, graduate, and executive education students.
Before joining the Owen Graduate School of Management, Professor Goldsmith served on the faculty at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.