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.
Expert retentions in false advertising and intellectual property matters
Professor Goldsmith has been retained as an expert witness in matters alleging false advertising, including a consumer class action involving deceptive marketing claims. Her engagements also include an intellectual property (IP) dispute related to artificial intelligence (AI).
Research on consumer behavior and sustainable product claims
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 her work on 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.
Consumer psychology and marketing research publications
Professor Goldsmith has published articles in leading peer-reviewed psychology and marketing journals, including the Journal of Consumer Research, the Journal of Marketing Research, and the Journal of Consumer Psychology. 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.
Teaching in marketing and quantitative methods
At Vanderbilt, Professor Goldsmith has been recognized multiple times for outstanding research and teaching. She has more than 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.