Big Brains
Freakonomics’ Steven Levitt On The Secret To Making Tough Choices
Oct 19, 2023
Steven Levitt, author of 'Freakonomics' and University of Chicago scholar, talks about his role as a data scientist, using a coin flip for decision-making, and his groundbreaking research on crime prevention. He also discusses the link between crime and abortion, the use of GPS ankle bracelets for criminal justice reform, and the benefits of podcasting over writing books.
39:55
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Quick takeaways
- Steven Levitt considers himself a data scientist rather than just an economist, highlighting the importance of data science in understanding complex problems and making informed decisions.
- Levitt's research on decision-making through data analysis, such as the use of coin toss studies, reveals insights into human behavior and the value of making changes when individuals are indecisive.
Deep dives
Thinking like a freak and the legacy of Freakonomics
In this podcast episode, Professor Stephen Levitt, one of the authors of the popular book Freakonomics, discusses the legacy of the book and what it means to think like a freak. He shares how his training in economics led him to identify more as a data scientist and the challenges he faced in academia. Levitt also talks about his research on decision-making, the impact of legalized abortion on crime rates, and the potential of GPS-equipped ankle bracelets in crime prevention.
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