The systems, structures, and dynamics that shape modern economic life—and how citizens navigate them.
The Public Lyceum studies systems that increasingly mediate how citizens make major economic decisions. Our research areas interconnect to form a comprehensive picture of modern marketplace dynamics.
How digital platforms, lead generation services, and recommendation algorithms shape what consumers see—and don't see—when searching for home services. We study the business models that determine visibility and the information asymmetries that result.
How citizens evaluate options in complex markets. We examine the cognitive shortcuts people use, the information they rely on, and how marketplace design influences choice architecture.
The systems that certify, license, and verify professional qualifications. We study how credentialing works, where gaps exist, and what verification actually tells consumers.
How housing markets, labor availability, and regional economic conditions affect the cost and quality of home services. We examine variations across communities and the factors that drive them.
How citizens develop trust—or skepticism—toward service providers, platforms, and recommendation systems. We study the mechanisms that create credibility and those that undermine it.
The economic forces that affect housing decisions, from repair and maintenance to major renovation. We examine how housing costs, availability, and quality interact with broader economic trends.
Every year, Americans spend hundreds of billions on home services—from repairs and renovations to maintenance and improvements. Yet most enter these transactions with incomplete information about pricing, quality, and reliability.
The systems that connect consumers to service providers have grown more complex. Digital platforms, lead brokers, and algorithmic recommendations have replaced traditional word-of-mouth referrals. The Public Lyceum exists to help citizens understand these systems—and navigate them with confidence.
Each research area is supported by dedicated programs that translate findings into public knowledge.
Want to learn more about how we conduct this research?