What Drives our Decisions?

June 20, 2011 in Daily Bulletin

In this article Bill Ridgers discusses some of the strange things that affect the types of decisions we make. Some interesting points include:

  • There is evidence to suggest that we make better decisions if we have really full bladders
  • Judges are more likely to grant a pardon to an individual if they have just eaten a full meal, rather than if they are at the end of their sessions.
  • What an interviewer is holding can affect how well the interview progresses. If an interviewer is holding a heavy clipboard then they are likely to view the job applicant as having more gravitas. If they are holding a lighter clipboard then they’re more likely to view the job candidate as flaky.
  • Sitting on a hard chair while negotiating the price of a car will make you negotiate harder.
  • You’re more likely to associate a person with warmth if you’re holding a warm drink in your hand when you meet them instead of a cold drink.
  • Sleep deprivation makes you more of a risk taker

Read the article for more.

Source: Intelligent Life Magazine

Via: Freakonomics