Psychologists explore the power of word choice and priming in influencing behavior and decision making. They discuss the impact of language on perception and the semantic ambiguity of talent. The podcast features examples of a mentalist who uses priming tricks. Sponsored by IXL, Rosetta Stone, and Indeed.
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Quick takeaways
Priming techniques influence behavior without conscious awareness, both in magic shows and everyday life.
Word choice can shape perception and reactions, highlighting the importance of using language strategically.
Deep dives
The Power of Priming
Priming is a phenomenon where a stimulus, such as an image or a word, influences behavior without conscious awareness. For example, posters with eyes may subconsciously prime people to be more honest. Magicians also use priming techniques to manipulate audience members' thoughts and actions.
The Influence of Word Choice
Specific words used in speech can have a significant impact on how a message is received and how others react. For example, A/B testing in marketing has shown that using words like 'add' instead of 'plus' can lead to higher engagement. In addition, research suggests that praising effort over talent can promote a growth mindset in children and employees.
Language and Psychological Distance
Language can create psychological distance or closeness. The use of first-person pronouns, such as 'I' and 'me', can create psychological closeness, while referring to oneself in the third person can create distance. Word choice also plays a role in framing experiences and responsibilities, influencing how individuals perceive and respond to situations.
The Importance of Language
In conclusion, language plays a crucial role in shaping behavior and perception. Whether through priming, word choice, or creating psychological distance, the language we use can have a significant impact on our actions and how others react to us.
What happens when three psychologists walk into a magic show? What’s Angela’s problem with the word “talent”? And why does LeBron James refer to himself in the third person?
SOURCES:
John Bargh, professor of psychology at Yale University.
"The Trouble With Talent: Semantic Ambiguity in the Workplace," by Daniel A. Southwick, Zhaoying V. Liu, Chayce Baldwin, Abigail L. Quirk, Lyle H. Ungar, Chia-Jung Tsay, and Angela L. Duckworth (Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 2023).