Episode 32: Heuristics: How Our Brains Get Through the Day Without Exploding

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In this episode, April admits that she doesn't always calmly and rationally think things through; but hey, neither do you. Why? Heuristics, that's why. She discusses these handy, if sometimes problematic, mental shortcuts that help get us through the day without our brains literally exploding. And by literally, I mean figuratively; but literally sounds better, plus it makes a great mental image--KABOOM!!!

Episode 32 Show Notes:

I've recommended Daniel Kahneman's book before, and I'll probably do it again:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11468377-thinking-fast-and-slow

Interesting article about the history and origins of heuristics: https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-heuristic-2795235

A basic discussion of heuristics:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/heuristics

Dr. Weinberger's blog explaining our unconscious mind: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-unconscious/202001/how-the-unconscious-works

An easy to read but fairly comprehensive article discussing many aspects of heuristics, including the different types of heuristics and when our brain is likely to use them: https://www.simplypsychology.org/what-is-a-heuristic.html

You're probably aware that some of these jobs are dangerous, but others may surprise you with their position on this list: https://www.ishn.com/articles/112748-top-25-most-dangerous-jobs-in-the-united-states

The Decision Lab's article goes into some detail about how our brains use heuristics:
https://thedecisionlab.com/insights/society/tdl-perspectives-what-are-heuristics

Over-reliance on heuristics can lead to stereotyping in the workplace: https://www.engagetu.com/2020/01/28/heuristics-and-workplace-bias/

Kendra Cherry's excellent article about decision making: https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-the-affect-heuristic-2795028#:~:text=The%20affect%20heuristic%20is%20a%20type%20of%20mental,role%20in%20the%20choices%20and%20decisions%20you%20make