Description

Our brains deal with a vast amount of informational input each day, from both internal and external sources.  Mental shortcuts, based largely on pattern recognition, can often efficiently lower this processing burden.  Very often, mental shortcuts are useful in sizing up a situation or person rapidly and developing an appropriate response.  However, they have their limitations. It’s important to be aware of how these shortcuts work and their strengths and weaknesses.  That way we can consciously choose whether to follow them or not.  We will explore numerous mental shortcuts in four areas, with insights from relevant studies:  first impressions and snap decision making; sales pitches; medical decision making; and public policy.

Wednesday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 11/1-11/22, $40, F2F (TBD)