Book Reading #46: Why We Make Mistakes

Reference Information

Title: Why We Make Mistakes

Author: Joseph T. Hallinan

Publisher: 2009 Crown Archetype

Chapter 6: We're in the Wrong Frame of Mind
Summary
This chapter showed that if a person is in the wrong frame of mind, they will look at issues the wrong way and they usually don't realize that it is happening. In decision-making, in situations were someone expects a loss, they are more prone to take a risk and vis versa. In addition, the further away the consequences of an action are, the more risk people will take. To help, try reframing, be the first to make an offer, and be wary of sales items.

Discussion
I thought this chapter was really interesting, especially reading about the grocery store experiment and how the different ways that things are presented affect a person's decision about them due to anchoring. After reading this chapter, I may think more carefully the next time I go shopping or make a large decision.

Chapter 7: We Skim
Summary
People tend to pay attention only to those things that matter, such as the beginning of a word, so that proofreading errors occur due to not noticing problems with the latter part of the word. Generally, the more expert a person is at something, the more they skim and the more details they will not notice. This works with all sorts of things, including reading, music, and even emotional states.

Discussion
I thought it was interesting that the author pointed out that it's difficult to remember a person until you remember where that person belongs in context. It's so true, I often find myself recognizing someone on campus but having no idea who they are until I can figure out which class I had with them.