The way information is framed can influence decisionmaking from "summary" of Magic Words by Jonah Berger
When we think about making decisions, we often believe that we are rational beings, carefully weighing the pros and cons before coming to a conclusion. However, what many of us fail to recognize is the power of framing in influencing the decisions we make. The way information is presented to us can have a significant impact on the choices we ultimately make. Consider a study conducted by psychologists Amos Tversky and Daniel Kahneman, who presented participants with a hypothetical scenario in which the outbreak of a deadly disease was expected to kill 600 people. Participants were given two options: Option A, which would save 200 people for sure, or Option B, which had a 33% chance of saving all 600 people and a 66% chance of saving no one. Surprisingly, when framed in terms of loss (i. e., the number of people who would die), the majority of participants chose Option A. However, when framed in terms of gains (i. e., the number of people who would be saved), the majority of participants opted for Option B. This simple change in framing had a profound effect on participants' decision-making process. The key takeaway here is that the way information is presented can significantly influence how we perceive and evaluate choices. As humans, we are inherently susceptible to cognitive biases that can cloud our judgment, leading us to make decisions that may not align with our best interests.- We can take steps to mitigate the impact of cognitive biases on our decision-making process. Instead of relying solely on gut instincts or emotions, we can pause to consider the framing of the information presented to us and evaluate our options more objectively. In doing so, we can make more informed decisions that are based on logic and reason rather than on unconscious biases. Ultimately, understanding the power of framing can help us become better decision-makers in both our personal and professional lives.
