The Infinite Monkey Cage The Infinite Monkey's Guide To… Gambling
May 1, 2024
Psychologist Richard Wiseman joins Robin Ince and Brian Cox to discuss the science of gambling. They explore the psychology of games, the role of deception in human behavior, and how solving math problems can benefit us in various areas of life. The team also debates a puzzling conundrum involving a goat, a cabbage, and a hungry wolf, all while questioning why they were on a trip together in the first place.
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The Illusion of Skill in Winning
- Winning in gambling feels great even when it's pure chance.
- People celebrate victory without acknowledging randomness involved.
Child Outperforms Adults in Investment
- A financial astrologer, a professional investor, and a 5-year-old child were given £5,000 to invest.
- The child surprisingly outperformed both adults in a 10-day study.
Games Promote Bonding Over Winning
- Games like Monopoly cause frustration rather than fun because they reward aggressive behaviors.
- Playing games is mainly about social bonding rather than winning.