As I discussed in “What did you expect? Benchmarking and Decisions – For Better or Worse” we are confronted with decisions every day. I even went so far as to suggest that an underlying benchmark is at the root of all decisions. As you will soon find out, not all decisions are equal.
Most of us understand visual or optical illusions, however, I doubt that many of us are even aware of “cognitive” illusions. Did you know that the manner in which data or material is presented to you may affect your decision in a predictable but not necessarily rational way? Instinctively, we’re probably aware but not certain.
I watched an educational, yet entertaining, video featuring Dan Ariely, the author of Predictably Irrational, where he asks, “Are we in control of our decisions?” Dan’s presentation demonstrates that both optical (visual) and cognitive illusions do exist and may even deceive us into making predictable but not necessarily rational decisions. If the video doesn’t appear below, you can click here: Dan Ariely asks, “Are we in Control of our own decisions?”
I appreciate and certainly have a much better understanding of how deceptive illusions can be in our everyday decision making processes.
Until Next Time – STAY lean!
