The Irrational - Some Key Terms, Explained
I collected all the social science terms used in season #1 and explained them.
Season #1 of The Irrational was an amazing experience for me. I got to see how a TV show is shaped from an initial idea, into a pilot, and later into a full season. I got to see how a crew of about 300 people get assembled quickly for a common goal, where each person knows their part, and things move incredibly quickly, smoothly, and with a deeply friendly atmosphere. I also got to see professionals who care about the quality of their work to a degree that is hard to find anywhere. What an adventure.
As Season #2 is just around the corner, I wanted to share my list of all the terms that were used in the previous season — and explain them in more depth.
The terms and the episode they appeared in
Reciprocity (101)
Cocktail Party Effect (101)
Memory is Fallible (101)
Paradoxical persuasion (101)
Curiosity (102)
Fatal Narcissism (102)
Misdirected Attention (102)
Power of Free (102)
Retrospective Framing (103)
Barnum Effect (103)
Confirmation Bias (103)
Obedience to Authority (103)
Auditory Illusion (103)
Bereavement Sex (103)
Cognitive Closure (103)
Fight or Flight Response (103)
Shadow Self (103)
Zero Sum Bias (104)
Hot State (104)
Absurdism (104)
Anchoring (104)
Complimentary Glow Effect (104)
Identifiable Victim effect (104)
Sunk Coast Fallacy (105)
Outcome Bias (105)
Confidence Luck Cycle (105)
Release from Adaptation (105)
Stereotype Curse (105)
Surprise Reflex Theory (105)
Switch Tracking (105)
Habituation (106)
Juror Preconceived Bias (106)
Motivated Reasoning (106)
Stroke Impulses (106)
Meaningful Endowment Effect (107)
Pre-Procurement Ownership (107)
Compassion Fatigue (108)
Disease Avoidant Behavior (108)
Fairness Instinct (108)
Patternicity (108)
Premature Closure (108)
Survivor’s Guilt (108)
Survivorship Bias (108)
Cognitive Dissonance (109)
Slippery Slope Fallacy (109)
Goal Gradient (109)
Downward Comparison (109)
Gamification (109)
Halo Effect (109)
Hero Placebo Effect (109)
Choice Overload (110)
Variety Insensitivity (110)
Illusory Correlation (111)
Proportionality Bias (111)
Source Confusion (111)
Use of Similarity (111)
And here are the descriptions of the different terms with a bit more detail (and with some thanks to Chat GPT):
Episode 101
Reciprocity (101)
Imagine you’re at a party, and someone hands you a drink. Your first instinct? Find something to give back. This is reciprocity in action – our built-in psychological urge to repay kindness. It’s like a cosmic balance sheet in our brains, ensuring we don’t owe anyone a favor. This is why companies give out free samples. They’re not just being nice; they know you'll feel a pang of guilt if you walk away without buying something. So, next time someone does you a favor, remember: it’s not just kindness, it’s science!
Cocktail Party Effect (101)
You’re at a crowded party, noise everywhere, but you hear your name mentioned across the room. How? Welcome to the Cocktail Party Effect. Your brain is like a highly trained butler, filtering out the background chatter to catch something personally relevant. It’s not just your name, either; it could be juicy gossip or a mention of free pizza. This selective attention keeps us sane in a noisy world, helping us focus on the things that matter – like whether that person just said “free drinks” or “freeloading.”
Memory is Fallible (101)
Think you have a great memory? Think again. Memory is more like a game of telephone than a recording device. Each time you recall an event, your brain makes tiny edits, adding some flair or skipping the boring parts. It’s why you can’t remember where you left your keys but can vividly recall an embarrassing moment from high school. So, the next time someone says, “I remember it like it was yesterday,” know that yesterday might be a heavily edited rerun.
Paradoxical Persuasion (101)
Ever tried convincing someone by arguing against your own point? That’s paradoxical persuasion. It’s like reverse psychology’s sophisticated cousin. By presenting the opposite argument, you make people defend your original point. It’s a mental judo move, using their own momentum against them. Next time you want someone to agree with you, try saying, “You’re right, maybe we shouldn’t get pizza.” Watch as they passionately argue why pizza is, in fact, the best choice for dinner.
Curiosity (102)
Curiosity is the itch you can’t scratch, the mental mosquito buzzing in your brain. It’s what makes you click on “One weird trick” articles and peek into your neighbor’s shopping cart. This insatiable desire to know drives innovation, learning, and sometimes, regrettable internet searches. Like a cat with nine lives, curiosity keeps us exploring and questioning, even if it occasionally leads us to the wrong conclusions. So go ahead, embrace your inner Sherlock, and keep asking “Why?”
Fatal Narcissism (102)
Imagine if Narcissus had a social media account. Fatal narcissism is what happens when self-love goes off the rails. It’s not just about admiring your reflection; it’s an all-consuming need for admiration and validation. Think endless selfies and humblebrags. While a bit of narcissism is normal, fatal narcissism is like a black hole – it sucks in all attention and gives nothing back. So, if your friend’s Instagram looks like a shrine to their own greatness, you might be witnessing fatal narcissism in action.
Misdirected Attention (102)
Ever spent hours perfecting the details of a project only to miss the big picture? That’s misdirected attention. It’s like polishing the brass on the Titanic while ignoring the iceberg. Our brains love details, sometimes too much. We focus on the minutiae and miss what’s really important. This is why you might spend more time choosing a font than writing the content. Remember, it’s easy to get lost in the weeds, so keep an eye on the horizon.
Power of Free (102)
Who doesn’t love free stuff? The word “free” is like a magic spell that makes our rational minds go on vacation. The power of free compels us to grab things we don’t need and make questionable choices. Why buy one and get one free when you can get two for the price of one? It’s the same deal, but free feels better. So, next time you find yourself hoarding free samples or signing up for a free trial, blame it on the irresistible power of free.
Retrospective Framing (103)
Ever notice how memories change over time? That’s retrospective framing. Our brains are like movie editors, constantly tweaking the past to fit our current narrative. Remember that vacation where everything went wrong? Now it’s a hilarious adventure. This mental editing helps us make sense of our lives and learn from our experiences. Just remember, the past is a story we keep rewriting, and sometimes those edits can be more fiction than fact.
Barnum Effect (103)
The Barnum Effect is why horoscopes seem eerily accurate. It’s the tendency to believe vague, general statements are personally meaningful. It’s named after P.T. Barnum, who knew a sucker is born every minute. Whether it’s a fortune cookie or a personality test, we see ourselves in broad statements because our brains are eager to connect the dots. So, next time you read, “You have a great sense of humor,” remember: it’s just the Barnum Effect doing its thing.
Confirmation Bias (103)
Confirmation bias is like having a yes-man in your head. It’s the tendency to seek out information that confirms what you already believe and ignore anything that contradicts it. It’s why we love echo chambers and hate being wrong. This mental shortcut saves us the trouble of reevaluating our beliefs, but it also means we’re often walking around with blinders on. So, the next time you find yourself nodding along to something that feels a bit too right, it might be confirmation bias at work.
Obedience to Authority (103)
Why do we follow orders, even when they seem wrong? Obedience to authority is a powerful force, making us do things we wouldn’t normally do. Think of the infamous Milgram experiment, where people shocked others because a guy in a lab coat told them to. It’s our brain’s way of outsourcing decision-making to someone else. While it can keep society orderly, it also explains why people sometimes follow questionable orders. So, question authority – just not your GPS.
Auditory Illusion (103)
Auditory illusions are like magic tricks for your ears. They make you hear things that aren’t there or misinterpret sounds. Think of the famous “Yanny or Laurel” debate – two people hear completely different words from the same audio clip. Our brains love patterns, sometimes too much, leading us to hear phantom sounds or misinterpret music lyrics. It’s a reminder that our senses are easily fooled, so don’t believe everything you hear.
Bereavement Sex (103)
Bereavement sex is one of those coping mechanisms that sounds strange but makes sense when you think about it. In the face of loss, our brains crave connection and comfort. Engaging in sex after a significant loss can be a way to feel alive and regain a sense of control. It’s a testament to our complex emotional wiring, where grief and intimacy intertwine. So, while it might seem odd, it’s just another way our brains handle the rollercoaster of emotions.
Cognitive Closure (103)
Cognitive closure is the brain’s way of saying, “Enough already!” It’s the desire for a firm answer and an aversion to ambiguity. When faced with uncertainty, our brains rush to judgment just to have some peace of mind. It’s why we jump to conclusions and prefer a quick, albeit possibly wrong, answer over no answer at all. This mental shortcut helps us navigate a chaotic world, but it’s also why we often make snap decisions. So, take a deep breath and remember: sometimes it’s okay not to know.
Fight or Flight Response (103)
The fight or flight response is our built-in alarm system, ready to spring into action at the first sign of danger. Whether it’s a charging lion or an impending deadline, our bodies react the same way – heart racing, adrenaline pumping, ready to fight or flee. This ancient survival mechanism is great for escaping predators but less helpful when dealing with modern stressors. So, the next time you feel your heart racing over a tough email, remember: it’s just your caveman brain doing its thing.
Shadow Self (103)
The shadow self is like the dark twin you never knew you had. It’s the part of your personality that lurks in the background, hiding your less-than-perfect traits. Think of it as the villain in your personal movie, full of suppressed desires and impulses. Acknowledging your shadow self can be a bit like therapy – uncomfortable but ultimately enlightening. Embrace your inner Darth Vader, and you might just find a better balance between light and dark.
Zero Sum Bias (104)
Zero sum bias is the mistaken belief that one person’s gain is another’s loss. It’s like thinking the world is a giant pie with only so many slices. This mindset fuels competition and jealousy, making us forget that collaboration can create more pie. It’s why we sometimes root against others instead of working together. So, next time you feel like someone else’s success diminishes your own, remember: there’s more than enough pie to go around.
Hot State (104)
Ever tried making a decision when you’re angry or excited? That’s a hot state – when emotions run high and logic takes a backseat. It’s like trying to think clearly in the middle of a storm. In a hot state, we’re impulsive, making choices we might regret later. It’s why cooling off before making big decisions is always a good idea. So, when your emotions are boiling over, take a step back, breathe, and wait for the storm to pass. You’ll make better choices when you’re in a calm, cool state.
Absurdism (104)
Absurdism is the philosophical idea that life is inherently meaningless, but we should embrace the absurdity and create our own meaning. Think of it as existentialism’s quirky cousin. It’s like laughing at the cosmic joke instead of crying over spilled milk. Absurdism encourages us to find joy in the randomness and chaos of life. So, next time you’re feeling overwhelmed by the lack of purpose, channel your inner absurdist and find humor in the absurdity of it all.
Anchoring (104)
Anchoring is the mental trick your brain plays when it latches onto the first piece of information it gets, no matter how irrelevant. Imagine you’re buying a car, and the salesperson starts with a high price. That number sticks in your mind and influences all your subsequent negotiations. Anchoring can skew our decisions and perceptions, making us think the first offer is more important than it is. So, the next time you’re haggling or making a big decision, be aware of that initial anchor dragging you down.
Complimentary Glow Effect (104)
The complimentary glow effect is when something looks better simply because it’s next to something else that’s attractive. It’s like standing next to a supermodel to get a boost to your own appearance. Marketers use this all the time by pairing products with glamorous images to make them more appealing. It’s a visual trick that our brains fall for every time. So, next time you’re tempted by a shiny new gadget, remember: it might just be basking in the complimentary glow of clever marketing.
Identifiable Victim Effect (104)
The identifiable victim effect is why we’re more moved by one person’s story than by statistics. It’s easier to empathize with a single, identifiable victim than with a faceless group. Charities know this and often highlight individual stories to tug at our heartstrings. It’s a powerful reminder that our compassion is wired for personal connections. So, when you hear a touching story that makes you want to help, remember: it’s your brain responding to the power of a single, human face.
Sunk Cost Fallacy (105)
The sunk cost fallacy is the irrational commitment to something just because we’ve already invested time, money, or effort into it. It’s like continuing to watch a terrible movie because you paid for the ticket. Our brains hate wasting resources, so we double down, hoping things will get better. But sometimes, cutting our losses is the smarter move. So, the next time you’re stuck in a losing game, remember: don’t throw good money after bad – just walk away.
Outcome Bias (105)
Outcome bias is judging a decision based on its result rather than the quality of the decision at the time it was made. It’s like saying a bad poker play was smart because you won the hand. This bias ignores the process and focuses solely on the outcome. It’s why we celebrate lucky breaks and criticize thoughtful risks that didn’t pan out. So, the next time you’re evaluating a decision, focus on the reasoning behind it, not just the end result.
Confidence Luck Cycle (105)
The confidence luck cycle is the feedback loop where confidence breeds success, and success boosts confidence. It’s like the chicken-and-egg of positive outcomes. When we’re confident, we take more risks and seize opportunities, leading to better results. These successes then reinforce our confidence, creating a virtuous cycle. But beware: overconfidence can also lead to reckless decisions. So, balance your confidence with a healthy dose of humility, and ride the cycle to your advantage.
Release from Adaptation (105)
Release from adaptation is the joy you feel when something changes after becoming accustomed to it. It’s like the relief of a cool breeze after a hot day. Our brains get used to stimuli, making them less noticeable over time. When there’s a change, it’s like hitting the refresh button on our senses. This is why novelty feels so exciting and routine can become dull. So, inject some variety into your life to keep things fresh and enjoy the small releases from adaptation.
Stereotype Curse (105)
The stereotype curse is the negative impact of stereotypes on an individual’s performance or behavior. It’s like a self-fulfilling prophecy where being aware of a stereotype makes you more likely to conform to it. If you’re told you’re bad at math because of your gender, that stress can affect your performance. Breaking free from stereotypes requires awareness and effort. So, next time you feel boxed in by a stereotype, remind yourself: you’re more than a cliché.
Surprise Reflex Theory (105)
Surprise reflex theory explains why unexpected stimuli can evoke strong reflexive responses. It’s like your brain’s version of a jump scare. Surprises catch us off guard, triggering intense reactions. This reflex is a survival mechanism, keeping us alert to sudden changes in our environment. It’s why we jump at loud noises or unexpected movements. While it’s great for dodging predators, it also means we’re easily startled by the unexpected. So, enjoy the thrill of a good surprise – your brain was built for it.
Switch Tracking (105)
Switch tracking is the art of changing the focus of an argument or conversation to another topic. It’s like sleight of hand for your words. When the discussion gets uncomfortable, switching tracks can divert attention and defuse tension. Politicians are masters of this, skillfully shifting topics to avoid tough questions. While it can be a useful tactic, be aware when it’s being used on you. Stay focused on the main issue, and don’t let switch tracking derail your conversation.
Habituation (106)
Habituation is your brain’s way of tuning out repetitive stimuli. It’s like background noise – after a while, you stop noticing it. This mental autopilot helps us focus on new and important information, but it can also make us overlook the familiar. It’s why you might not notice a smell in your house that’s obvious to a visitor. To combat habituation, try changing up your routine and environment. Fresh experiences keep your brain engaged and alert.
Juror Preconceived Bias (106)
Juror preconceived bias is the influence of jurors’ pre-existing opinions or experiences on their decision-making in court. It’s like coming to a movie with spoilers – you already have an idea of what’s going to happen. This bias can skew perceptions of evidence and testimony, impacting the fairness of a trial. It’s why jury selection and instructions are so important. To mitigate this bias, jurors must be aware of their preconceptions and strive for impartiality.
Motivated Reasoning (106)
Motivated reasoning is the tendency to process information in a way that aligns with your desires and preconceptions. It’s like having rose-colored glasses for your beliefs. When we encounter new information, we twist and turn it to fit our existing views. This mental gymnastics helps us avoid cognitive dissonance but can also lead us astray. So, next time you’re defending your viewpoint, ask yourself: am I seeing this clearly, or is it motivated reasoning at play?
Stroke Impulses (106)
Stroke impulses are sudden, intense urges that can result from neurological conditions like those following a stroke. It’s like having your brain’s impulse control dial turned way down. These impulses can be surprising and out of character, driven by changes in brain function. Understanding and managing these impulses requires patience and support. If you or someone you know is dealing with stroke impulses, remember: it’s a brain thing, not a willpower thing.
Meaningful Endowment Effect (107)
The meaningful endowment effect is the tendency to value things more highly when they’re personally meaningful. It’s why a homemade gift can feel priceless while a store-bought one feels ordinary. Our brains attach emotional significance to objects, inflating their value. This effect explains why we hang onto mementos and keepsakes, even if they’re not objectively valuable. So, next time you’re decluttering, remember: it’s not just stuff, it’s meaningful stuff.
Pre-Procurement Ownership (107)
Pre-procurement ownership is when you start to feel ownership over something before you actually have it. It’s like mentally moving into a house before you’ve signed the papers. This psychological quirk makes us more likely to commit to purchases because we’ve already imagined them as ours. Marketers exploit this by encouraging us to “try before you buy.” So, next time you’re test-driving a car or sampling a product, be aware: your brain might already be claiming ownership.
Compassion Fatigue (108)
Compassion fatigue is emotional exhaustion caused by the repeated exposure to others’ suffering. It’s like burning out your empathy circuits. Caregivers, healthcare workers, and anyone in helping professions are especially susceptible. When you’re constantly giving support, it’s easy to feel drained and detached. To combat compassion fatigue, practice self-care and set healthy boundaries. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup – take care of yourself so you can take care of others.
Disease Avoidant Behavior (108)
Disease avoidant behavior is the actions we take to avoid illness, often driven by instinctive or learned responses. It’s why we wash our hands obsessively during flu season or avoid people who are coughing. This behavior is rooted in our evolutionary survival instincts, helping us steer clear of contagious threats. While it’s usually a good thing, excessive disease avoidant behavior can lead to anxiety and social isolation. So, balance caution with common sense to stay healthy and sane.
Fairness Instinct (108)
The fairness instinct is our innate sense of justice and equity. It’s why kids scream “That’s not fair!” even before they fully understand the concept. This sense of fairness drives us to seek equal treatment and can trigger strong emotional responses when we perceive inequality. It’s deeply ingrained, likely from our evolutionary past, where cooperation and fairness were crucial for survival. While the fairness instinct helps maintain social harmony, it can also lead to conflicts when different people's ideas of fairness clash. So, when you’re next in a heated debate over fairness, remember: it’s a universal instinct, even if it doesn’t always agree on the specifics.
Patternicity (108)
Patternicity is our brain’s tendency to find patterns in random data. It’s why we see faces in clouds or think the stock market follows our horoscope. This quirk helped our ancestors survive by recognizing predator shapes in the bushes, but in modern times, it can lead us astray. Our brains love making connections, sometimes too much, seeing patterns where none exist. So, when you’re convinced that your lucky socks influence your team’s performance, remind yourself: it’s just your brain’s patternicity at work.
Premature Closure (108)
Premature closure is the tendency to make quick, decisive judgments without considering all the evidence. It’s like jumping to conclusions on a trampoline – fast and often wrong. Our brains crave certainty and dislike ambiguity, leading us to close the case prematurely. This can save time but often results in mistakes and oversights. To avoid premature closure, take a step back, gather more information, and keep an open mind. Remember: haste makes waste, especially in decision-making.
Survivor’s Guilt (108)
Survivor’s guilt is the feeling of guilt experienced by those who have survived a tragedy when others did not. It’s like winning a lottery you didn’t want to enter. This emotional response can be overwhelming, as survivors question why they lived while others didn’t. It’s a mix of empathy, remorse, and a search for meaning in the randomness of survival. If you or someone you know is dealing with survivor’s guilt, remember: it’s a natural reaction, and seeking support can help navigate these complex feelings.
Survivorship Bias (108)
Survivorship bias is the logical error of focusing on surviving examples while overlooking those that did not. It’s like celebrating the success of famous college dropouts without considering the thousands who didn’t make it. This bias skews our understanding of success and failure, making us believe that survivorship stories are the norm. To counteract this, look at the full picture, including the failures and losses. Remember: for every success story, there are countless untold failures that shaped the outcome.
Cognitive Dissonance (109)
Cognitive dissonance is the discomfort experienced when holding conflicting cognitions, like believing in healthy eating while munching on a donut. It’s a mental tug-of-war that makes us squirm. To reduce this discomfort, we often change our beliefs or behaviors to align them. This is why smokers might downplay the health risks of smoking. Understanding cognitive dissonance helps us recognize these mental gymnastics and strive for consistency in our beliefs and actions. So, next time you feel that mental itch, it’s cognitive dissonance asking for some resolution.
Slippery Slope Fallacy (109)
The slippery slope fallacy is the argument that a small step will inevitably lead to a chain of related events culminating in a significant impact, usually negative. It’s like saying that if you eat one cookie, you’ll end up eating the whole jar and then become a cookie monster. This fallacy ignores the complexities and nuances of real-life situations, creating fear-based arguments. To avoid the slippery slope trap, consider each step on its own merits and resist the urge to predict catastrophic outcomes from minor actions.
Goal Gradient (109)
The goal gradient effect is the phenomenon where people accelerate their efforts as they approach a goal. It’s like a runner sprinting to the finish line. Our motivation peaks when we see the goal within reach, driving us to work harder and faster. Marketers use this by showing progress bars and loyalty rewards. Knowing about the goal gradient can help us set milestones and maintain motivation throughout our tasks. So, break your big goals into smaller ones and watch your productivity soar as you get closer to each milestone.
Downward Comparison (109)
Downward comparison is the act of comparing oneself to others who are worse off to feel better about one’s situation. It’s like looking at someone else’s messy desk to feel better about your clutter. This coping mechanism boosts self-esteem and provides a sense of relief. While it’s helpful in moderation, relying too much on downward comparisons can hinder personal growth and empathy. So, use it sparingly and remember: upward comparisons can inspire you to improve and strive for better.
Gamification (109)
Gamification is the application of game-design elements in non-game contexts to motivate and engage people. It’s like turning life into a video game with points, badges, and leaderboards. This approach leverages our love for games and competition, making mundane tasks more enjoyable. Whether it’s a fitness app tracking your steps or a learning platform rewarding your progress, gamification taps into our natural desire for achievement and recognition. So, the next time you find yourself hooked on a task, thank the power of gamification for making it fun.
Halo Effect (109)
The halo effect is the cognitive bias where the perception of one positive trait influences the perception of other traits. It’s like assuming a good-looking person is also kind and smart. This mental shortcut simplifies our judgments but often leads to inaccurate assessments. Marketers and politicians love the halo effect, using it to create a positive overall impression. To counteract the halo effect, consciously separate individual traits and evaluate them independently. Remember: not everything that shines is gold.
Hero Placebo Effect (109)
The hero placebo effect is the phenomenon where believing in the efficacy of a hero or leader enhances their perceived effectiveness. It’s like thinking a charismatic coach makes the team better just by being there. This belief can boost morale and performance, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy. However, it can also lead to overestimating the hero’s actual impact. So, while it’s great to have inspiring leaders, remember: true success comes from collective effort, not just the aura of a single hero.
Choice Overload (110)
Choice overload is the difficulty in making a decision when faced with too many options. It’s like standing in front of an ice cream counter with 31 flavors and feeling paralyzed. While having options is generally good, too many choices can lead to anxiety and decision fatigue. This is why curated selections and recommendations are so popular – they simplify the decision-making process. So, when you’re overwhelmed by choices, narrow them down to a manageable number and make your decision easier.
Variety Insensitivity (110)
Variety insensitivity is the tendency to underappreciate the value of variety in choices. It’s like always ordering the same dish at your favorite restaurant and forgetting how exciting new flavors can be. Our brains love routine, but this can lead to boredom and missed opportunities. Embracing variety can enhance experiences and satisfaction. So, next time you’re stuck in a rut, shake things up and try something different. Your brain will thank you for the new stimulation.
Illusory Correlation (111)
Illusory correlation is the perception of a relationship between variables when none exists. It’s like thinking that carrying an umbrella causes it to rain. Our brains are pattern-seeking machines, often connecting dots that aren’t actually connected. This bias can lead to superstitions and incorrect beliefs. To avoid illusory correlations, rely on data and evidence rather than anecdotal observations. Remember: correlation does not imply causation, no matter how convincing it seems.
Proportionality Bias (111)
Proportionality bias is the inclination to believe that the magnitude of an event’s cause must be proportional to the event’s outcome. It’s like thinking a huge disaster must have a huge cause. This bias simplifies our understanding of complex situations but often leads to misconceptions. In reality, small causes can have large effects, and vice versa. To overcome proportionality bias, consider all possible explanations, regardless of their size. Remember: sometimes big things happen for small reasons.
Source Confusion (111)
Source confusion is misattributing a memory or information to the wrong source. It’s like thinking you heard a rumor from a friend when it actually came from a tabloid. Our memories are reconstructive, piecing together fragments from various sources, which can lead to mix-ups. This is why eyewitness testimonies can be unreliable. To minimize source confusion, keep track of your information sources and verify details before accepting them as true. Your brain’s filing system isn’t perfect, but awareness can help.
Use of Similarity (111)
Using similarity involves leveraging perceived similarities to form judgments and make decisions. It’s like assuming someone who shares your hobbies will also share your values. This mental shortcut helps us navigate social interactions and build connections. However, it can also lead to stereotyping and overlooking individual differences. To use similarity effectively, balance it with an open mind and be willing to explore beyond surface-level commonalities. Similarity can be a starting point, but deeper understanding requires looking beyond the obvious.
More to come soon!
Irrationally yours,
Dan Ariely