Samuel Piha
samuel.piha@utu.fi +358 40 581 7601 Rehtorinpellonkatu 3 Turku Office: v3.10 |
Consumer research
Consumer well-being
Consumer empowerment
Consumer vulnerability
Evolutionary psychology
Education
D.Sc. (Econ.), marketing, 2018
M.Sc. (Econ.), economic geography, 2014
B.Sc. (Econ.), economic geography, 2014
High school graduate, 2010
Academic career
University teacher (permanent), University of Turku, 2023–
Assistant professor (non-tenured), University of Vaasa, 2019–2022
Senior researcher (STYLE project), University of Turku, 2019–2020
University teacher, University of Turku, TSE Pori Unit, 2018
Visiting scholar, Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada, 2017
Doctoral candidate, University of Turku, 2014–2018
Other academic occupations
Docent in marketing, especially consumer research (UTU), 2020–
Chair of the Board, Finnish Association of Consumer Research, 2023–
The central focus of my research is to advance consumer well-being in our consumption-driven society. My approach centers on the perspective of consumers, rather than managerial viewpoints, positioning consumers as the primary units of analysis. With a background in the behavioral aspects of consumer research, particularly evolutionary psychology, my broader interest now lies in the interplay between consumer psychology and consumer culture. This interplay is exemplified by my focus on consumer empowerment and consumer vulnerability, both of which have been core themes throughout all my research endeavours.
The topics I have researched recently or over the past few years include:
- Declining standard of living and consumption in crisis conditions
- Consumer empowerment
- Public transportation behaviour
- Sexuality-related consumption
- Evolutionary psychology in consumer research
- Consumption of insect-based food
- Consumer behaviour and public toilets
In terms of methodology, I have experience in survey research (both field studies and international survey setups), mixed-methods research combining qualitative and quantitative approaches, and theoretical studies. I am an active popularizer of science, and my research has often been featured in various media.
I am leading the LASKU research project (Consumer Psychological Adaptation to Crisis Conditions and Declining Living Standards) for the years 2024–2026, funded by Liikesivistysrahasto. Before, I have participated in numerous other research projects as a researcher.
I'm responsible for developing the B2C Marketing education in our faculty. Personally I'm in charge of the bachelor's levels courses on consumer behaviour (MA12) and marketing communications (MA13), as well as master's level course on consumer research. I also supervise bachelor's, master's and doctoral theses.
- Kuluttamisen tutkimus on monipuolista tiedettä
(Kirjoitus Erikoiskaupan liitto ETU:n uutissivulla) (2024) Piha, Samuel
(Other publication) - Old Rules, New Drinkers: How does the New Generation of Wine Drinkers Conceptualise Old and New World Wines? (2024) Honoré-Chedozeau, Carole; Valentin, Dominique; Otterbring, Tobias; Piha, Samuel; Tomášková, Lenka; Baron, Mojmir; Medel-Maraboli, Marcela; Cunha, Luis Miguel; Kruger, Pieter; Walker, Neil; Otheguy, Méven; Rodrigues, Heber
(Poster) - The Psychology of Consumer Empowerment : A Lesson from Seneca (2024)
- Proceedings of the Annual Macromarketing Conference
(A4 Refereed article in a conference publication ) - Escaping into sexual play: A consumer experience perspective (2022) Innovation and Impact of Sex as Leisure in Research and Practice Piha Samuel, Hurmerinta Leila, Järvinen Elina, Räikkönen Juulia, Sandberg Birgitta
(Other publication) - Inflaatiopuheissa olisi syytä huomioida kuluttajan psykologia (2022)
- Helsingin Sanomat
(E1 Popularised article) - Kauppakeskukset kuuluvat myös päihderiippuvaisille (2022)
- Helsingin Sanomat
(E1 Popularised article) - Escaping into sexual play: A consumer experience perspective (2020)
- Leisure Sciences
(A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal) - Kuluttajan psykologinen voimaantuminen (2019)
- Kulutustutkimus.Nyt
(A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal) - Evolutionary psychology for consumers : awareness of ultimate explanations as a self-reflective tool for consumer empowerment (2018) Piha Samuel
(G5 Article dissertation ) - From filthy to healthy and beyond: finding the boundaries of taboo destruction in sex toy buying (2018)
- Journal of Marketing Management
(A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal) - Kauppasivistyksen jäljillä (2018) Miten menee, markkinointitiede? : professori Rami Olkkosen juhlakirja Samuel Piha, Petteri Ojala
(B2 Non-refereed book chapter or chapter in a compilation book) - Lectio praecursoria: Evoluutiopsykologia kuluttajatutkijan työkalupakissa (2018)
- Kulutustutkimus.Nyt
(B1 Non-refereed article in a scientific journal) - Miten menee, markkinointitiede? : professori Rami Olkkosen juhlakirja (2018) Samuel Piha, Petteri Ojala
(C2 Editorial work for a scientific compilation book) - The effects of consumer knowledge on the willingness to buy insect food: An exploratory cross-regional study in Northern and Central Europe (2018)
- Food Quality and Preference
(A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal) - Hyönteisruoka ja kuluttajan psykologia (2017)
- Tieteessä tapahtuu
(B1 Non-refereed article in a scientific journal) - When nature calls: The role of customer toilets in retail stores (2017)
- Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services
(A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal) - An Evolutionary Psychological Perspective on Sport Consumption – Does Life History Theory Explain Demographic Differences in Sport Behavior among Young Adults? (2016) Miia Grénman, Samuel Piha
(Other publication) - Biometric tourism research - a literature review and a reseach agenda
(25th Nordic Symposium on Tourism and Hospitality Research -konferenssin abstrakti) (2016) Book of abstracts Lähteenmäki-Uutela Anu, Räikkönen Juulia, Piha Samuel
(Other publication) - Johdatus evoluutiopsykologiaan kuluttajatutkimuksessa (2016)
- Kulutustutkimus.Nyt
(A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal) - Overcoming barriers to eating insects
(Esitys 7th European Conference on Sensory and Consumer Research -konferenssissa, 11.-14.9. 2016, Dijon, France) (2016) Terhi Pohjanheimo, Samuel Piha, Anu Lähteenmäki-Uutela
(Other publication)