Lecture 3 Flashcards
What is nudging and how does it relate to the Dual Process Framework?
Nudging represents a technique by which one alters people’s behaviour is a predictable way. No options are forbidden but the way in which they are portrayed changes the environment. Because of these contextual features we have a tendency to rely on System 1. Hence, it is only effective if one does not have strong pre-existing preferences.
What does the information-related nudging techinque refer to?
By providing information about the positive effect of one of the choices, one is more likely to choose it.
What does the default option technique do?
By providing a default option, one has to put in more effort, in order to go against it. Not many would do so if they do not have a strong pre-existing preference.
What does the reminder technique do?
By reminding the individual that an option presents certain benefits or downsides, they reinforce the possible use of heuristics.
What is the main legitimacy issue and how has it been tackled by empirical data?
Nudges have been contested to take away the free will that one has when making a choice, manipulating one. Though, studies have shown that hints (nudges) do not forbid one from making a decision, but they just push one gently towards one of the choices.
Why are transparent nudges important?
It is of ethical importance that we make people aware of a nudge’s existence. Some argue that it would allow for more autonomous decisions, whilst the effects would still be the same.
What does nudgeability mean?
It refers to the conditions that determine to what extent people are receptive to the influence of nudges, given that it is in line with previous beliefs and that they did not have strong preferences for either of the choices.
What did the study that used the diffusion-to-bound model prove about nudges?
The participants that were not nudged, would fall to the category they desired most, after considering both options. Though, those nudged would chose the more positive option, suggested by the nudge. While the effects of nudges are smaller than we would expect, they still play a role.
What is the connection between neurons and nudges?
Synapses between neurons form faster in regards to an easier choice, portrayed by a nudge and they form bounds that go against them harder and slower.
What is debiasing?
Debiasing refers to inhibiting the detrimental effects by eliminating or mitigating the bias to improve information processing and its subsequent outcome.
What are the motivational debiasing strategies? Give an example of a bias that could be eleiminated.
By using incentives, one could increase the effort to correct biases.
One could make use of accountability. By giving people the impression that they will have to explain their choices, will force them to rely on System 2.
Liking bias, the tendency to judge in favour of people we like, can be removed with these techniques.
What are the cognitive debiasing strategies? Give an example of a bias that could be eliminated.
These are aimed to improve critical thinking skills. By considering the opposite, one may be more attentive to evidence that would otherwise have been ignored. By educational training, people with a rudimentary understanding of statistical, logical and economic principles could implement their new knowledge and get rid of biases.
Anchoring bias, the tendency to interpret new information from the reference point of our anchor, can be solved if such principles are recognised.
What are the technological debiasing strategies? Give an example of a bias that could be eliminated.
These are based on techniques external to the decision maker. Within a group, the individuals ought to create personal hypotheses before making group based decisions. By debating the different perspectives, they can correct each other and avoid a possible Bandwagon effect.
Simple statistical models decompose decisions in alternatives, attributes and the weight that each attribute has in the decision making process. This encourages one to look at the bigger picture.
A decision support system would force one to present information to people that will see things differently and will encourage change, which would hinder a status quo bias.
