To paraphrase “Why Flip a Coin: The Art and Science of Good Decisions”, by H. W. Lewis
Good decisions are made when the person making the decision shares in both the benefits and the consequences of that decision. Shield a person from either, and you shift the decision making process.
However, we know there are various cognitive biases which makes people’s estimates of evidence depend upon the order in which the evidence is presented. If we want to inform people, rather than manipulate them, then we should present them information in the order that will minimise the impact of such biases, even if doing so isn’t the tactic most likely to manipulate them into agreeing with the conclusion that we ourselves have come to.
Having said that, there is research suggesting that some groups are more prone than others to the particular cognitive biases that unduly prejudice people against an option when they hear about the scary bits first.
To paraphrase “Why Flip a Coin: The Art and Science of Good Decisions”, by H. W. Lewis
Good decisions are made when the person making the decision shares in both the benefits and the consequences of that decision. Shield a person from either, and you shift the decision making process.
However, we know there are various cognitive biases which makes people’s estimates of evidence depend upon the order in which the evidence is presented. If we want to inform people, rather than manipulate them, then we should present them information in the order that will minimise the impact of such biases, even if doing so isn’t the tactic most likely to manipulate them into agreeing with the conclusion that we ourselves have come to.
Having said that, there is research suggesting that some groups are more prone than others to the particular cognitive biases that unduly prejudice people against an option when they hear about the scary bits first.
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