Book Reading #41: Why We Make Mistakes

Reference Information
Title: Why We Make Mistakes
Author: Joseph T. Hallinan
Publisher: 2009 Crown Archetype

Chapter 2: We All Search for Meaning
Summary
This chapter discussed the importance of meaning when dealing with memory. In general, meaning matters when remembering something, but details, such as names, do not matter as much so they are easily forgotten. This means that if a person were to associate an emotion with someone, such as a judgment, they are more likely to remember that person's face due to the new, associated meaning with them. This also suggests the importance of mnemonics when memorizing.


Discussion
I find it interesting that we are more likely to remember faces than names, but it make sense. I also liked the story of finding a good hiding place, as I thought it had an important lesson: Hide things in a place that has meaning so you don't lose them forever. I also found it interesting how many people are wrongly convicted for crimes due to incorrect witness recognition.

Chapter 3: We Connect the Dots
Summary
This chapter discussed how brains often connect meaning without a person realizing it. This also means that initial impressions are very important and hard to change. The chapter also discussed the importance of subtle clues that a person would not generally be able to recognize on their own, such as scents, the importance of price, and the effect of regret.


Discussion
The fact that you should change your answer on a test because it is mostly changed from right to wrong was very interesting. It just seems wrong to change an answer, especially because many teachers have told me that you always change it from right to wrong. It makes sense that regret would play a factor in this, though, making the mistake more memorable than correcting.