Chapter 7 Flashcards
Putting the Future on Sale: The Economics of Instant Gratification
What is one benefit of a larger prefrontal cortex?
A big prefrontal cortex improves self-control and also provides the ability to rationalize bad decisions while promising to do better in the future.
How do humans differ from chimpanzees in decision-making?
Unlike chimpanzees, who act on immediate desires, humans often use mental tricks to justify delaying resistance to temptation, thinking they can handle it better tomorrow.
What is a significant issue humans face regarding temptation and procrastination?
Many problems with temptation and procrastination stem from how humans uniquely think about the future, often leading to rationalization and avoidance.
What claim did Harvard psychologist Daniel Gilbert make about humans?
Gilbert claimed that humans are the only species capable of meaningful future thinking, highlighting our unique ability to anticipate future events.
What is the problem with our perception of the future?
The issue is not merely that we can foresee the future, but rather that we often lack a clear vision of it, which complicates our decision-making.
What does “delay discounting” mean?
Delay discounting refers to the phenomenon where the longer you have to wait for a reward, the less valuable it becomes to you.
How can even small delays affect perceived value?
Even a slight delay, such as two minutes, can dramatically reduce the perceived value of a reward; for example, six M&M’s may be worth less than two immediate M&M’s.
What should you consider regarding future rewards in your willpower challenge?
Reflect on what future rewards you discount when giving in to temptation or procrastination, including the immediate payoff and long-term costs of your choices.
What key questions can help you evaluate a decision influenced by delay discounting?
Ask yourself: What is the immediate payoff for giving in? What is the long-term cost? Is this a fair trade? Consider whether the rational decision would reject the deal.
When you reverse your preferences regarding future rewards, what should you pay attention to?
Notice your thoughts and feelings that lead to putting future rewards on sale, as this awareness can help you regain control over your decisions.
What does the problem of bounded rationality imply about human decision-making?
The problem of bounded rationality means that we may seem rational until faced with real temptation, at which point our brains switch to reward-seeking mode.
Why are we susceptible to immediate gratification?
Our brains’ reward systems are designed to respond primarily to immediate rewards, as they evolved without a strong response to future rewards.
How does the immediate reward affect the brain’s reward system?
Immediate rewards trigger the primitive reward system, causing a dopamine-induced desire, while future rewards are less engaging to this system.
What is the good news regarding temptation?
Temptation has a narrow window of opportunity; it is most powerful when the reward is available now and visible.
How does creating distance from temptation affect self-control?
Creating distance from temptation makes it less exciting and abstract, allowing the brain’s self-control system to regain power.
What effect does putting tempting items out of sight have on behavior?
For example, placing a candy jar in a desk drawer rather than on the desk can reduce consumption by one-third, as it minimizes constant desire stimulation.
What should you do to manage your own triggers effectively?
Identify your triggers and remove them from sight, as this can help you resist temptation and improve self-control.
What impact does a ten-minute wait have on how the brain processes rewards?
A ten-minute wait transforms immediate gratification into a delayed reward for the brain, reducing the activation of the promise-of-reward system and diminishing the impulse for immediate consumption.
What should you do if you crave something sweet?
Allow yourself to have it but wait ten minutes before indulging. After the wait, you might find that your desire diminishes, leading to less consumption or none at all
How does waiting affect the brain’s bias toward immediate rewards?
When comparing a cookie with a ten-minute wait to longer-term rewards (like losing weight), the brain will not strongly favor the immediate reward, allowing for better decision-making.
What is the suggested strategy for managing temptation with the ten-minute rule?
Implement a ten-minute wait for any temptation; if you still want it after the wait, you can have it. During the wait, think about the long-term benefits of resisting.
How can the ten-minute rule help with procrastination?
Use the ten-minute rule to encourage yourself to start a task by stating, “Do ten minutes, then you can quit.” After ten minutes, you may find you want to continue instead of stopping.
What physical action can enhance the effectiveness of the ten-minute wait?
Creating physical or visual distance from the temptation can help reinforce the decision to wait and strengthen self-control.
What can saying “yes, but in ten minutes” help with when craving something like chocolate?
This approach can reduce panic and stress associated with saying “no,” which can otherwise lead to overconsumption.
How does the ten-minute delay rule support self-control?
When faced with an overwhelming “never again” willpower challenge, using the ten-minute delay rule can help gradually strengthen your self-control.
What does a higher future-reward discount rate indicate about a person?
People with higher future-reward discount rates are more susceptible to self-control problems, valuing immediate happiness over future rewards.
