The Brainy Business | Understanding the Psychology of Why People Buy | Behavioral Economics

In this episode of The Brainy Business, Melina Palmer delves into the fascinating concept of selective attention biases, shedding light on how our brains naturally filter what we focus on, influencing our decisions and perceptions. Through real-life examples and relatable anecdotes, Melina explores various biases, including the frequency illusion, mere exposure effect, and Von Restorff effect, to showcase how our perceptions are shaped by what we pay attention to.  By emphasizing the power of shifting focus and expectations, she highlights the practical implications of understanding and challenging these biases. Melina's insights provide valuable guidance on how to navigate cognitive biases effectively and make more informed choices in various aspects of life and business. Her engaging and relatable approach makes this episode a must-listen for anyone keen on improving decision-making skills. So, tune in and discover how being mindful of selective attention biases can lead to more informed choices and positive outcomes. In this episode: Recognize selective attention biases to make more informed decisions. Explore the impact of repeated exposure to enhance your perceptions. Identify cognitive biases in memory recall for improved cognitive awareness. Learn to manage the influence of expectations on focus for better decision-making. Overcome confirmation bias to enhance the quality of your judgments. Show Notes: 00:00:00 - Introduction Melina introduces the concept of selective attention biases and its impact on decision-making. The episode will cover biases related to where we focus our attention, how it impacts decisions, and how it colors our perception when looking back. 00:04:08 - Frequency Illusion and Recency Illusion Melina discusses the frequency illusion, selection bias, and recency illusion, explaining how our brains notice things more after they come to our attention. This leads to biases in decision-making and impacts our perceptions. 00:10:07 - Selective Perception and Attentional Bias Melina delves into the concepts of selective perception and attentional bias, highlighting how our expectations influence the way we perceive things. She emphasizes the power of shifting focus and expectations for positive impact. 00:13:34 - Rhyme as Reason Effect, Belief Bias, and Conjunction Fallacy Melina explores the impact of the rhyme as reason effect on decision-making and the tendency to believe rhyming statements. She also explains the belief bias and conjunction fallacy, shedding light on how our biases influence the logical strength of arguments. 00:16:06 - Base Rate Fallacy and Base Rate Neglect Melina discusses the base rate fallacy and neglect, emphasizing how we tend to focus on specific information while ignoring general or base rate information. These biases can lead to faulty decision-making and misinterpretation of probabilities. 00:16:58 - Understanding Biased Decision Making Blue dominates the cab market, but witnesses tend to misidentify cab colors. This bias affects decision-making and highlights the need to consider base rates in our judgments. 00:19:17 - Impact of Biases on Research and Business Biases impact scientists' studies and lead to expectancy effects, illusory correlations, and subjective validation. These biases can hinder businesses' ability to accurately assess customer groups and marketing strategies. 00:23:13 - Overcoming Confirmation Bias Confirmation bias affects our ability to search for and interpret information. We tend to focus on information that confirms our beliefs, leading to narrow perspectives. Overcoming bias requires open-mindedness and seeking input from diverse perspectives. 00:27:24 - Hindsight Bias and Outcome Bias Hindsight bias leads us to view past events as more predictable than they were, impacting future decisions. Outcome bias causes us to judge decisions based on their results rather than the information available at the time. Both biases can distort our memory of past events. 00:29:41 - Conclusion Melina's top insights from the conversation. What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.  I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation. Let’s connect: Melina@TheBrainyBusiness.com The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on Youtube Learn and Support The Brainy Business: Check out and get your copies of Melina’s Books.  Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode: Foolproof, by Sander van der Linden Tune In, by Nuala Walsh What Your Employees Need and Can't Tell You, by Melina Palmer Both/And Thinking, by Wendy Smith and Marianne Lewis Thinking, Fast and Slow, by Daniel Kahneman Top Recommended Next Episode: Nuala Walsh Interview (ep 153) Already Heard That One? Try These:  Sander van der Linden Interview (ep 337) Wendy Smith Interview (ep 261) Overview of Personal Biases (ep 45) Biases Toward Others – Including Groups (ep 314) Memory Biases (ep 280) Present Versus Future Biases (ep 246) Availability Bias (ep 310) Other Important Links:  Brainy Bites - Melina’s LinkedIn Newsletter

Explore Gut agency's unique approach to advertising with a focus on intuition and unconventional ideas. Carmen Rodriguez shares insights on brain-friendly strategies and the power of storytelling in connecting with customers. Learn about crafting compelling brand messages, embracing creativity in marketing, and identifying untapped markets for success.

Discover how status quo bias affects decision-making and explore strategies to challenge familiarity. Learn about the reluctance towards change and ways to foster adaptability in organizations. Dive into the psychology behind our preference for the familiar and gain insights on effective change management strategies. Uncover the impact of status quo bias on decision-making and explore ways to mitigate its effects. Embrace change and drive progress by breaking free from familiar patterns.

Yves Boudreau from Google Cloud discusses AI, behavioral science, and business applications. Topics include responsible AI adoption, risks of AI-generated content, and enhancing customer support efficiency.

In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Dr. Marco Palma, a researcher at the Human Behavior Lab at Texas A&M University, discusses the utilization of advanced technology, such as eye tracking devices, to understand and influence consumer behavior. Marco's extensive research in the field of human behavior and decision-making offers a unique perspective, emphasizing the significance of small changes in behavior and the impact of understanding the brain's wiring.  His insights shed light on the practical applications of behavioral science in various aspects of life, including gender disparities in the workplace and food choices. By delving into the intricate details of eye tracking, anchoring, and the patterns of eye movement, Marco provides valuable knowledge that entrepreneurs and business owners can leverage to optimize their marketing strategies and enhance their understanding of consumer behavior. This episode presents a rare opportunity to gain insights from a distinguished expert in the field, offering actionable takeaways that can be applied to drive positive changes in business and beyond. In this episode: Understand human behavior and decision-making to optimize business strategies and drive consumer engagement. Explore eye tracking and consumer behavior for insights that can revolutionize marketing approaches. Implement small changes and behavior modification techniques for impactful business results. Address gender disparities in the workplace to foster a more inclusive and productive environment. Delve into food choices and brain wiring to unlock the secrets of consumer preferences and habits. Show Notes: 00:00:00 - Introduction, Melina introduces the episode and the guest, Dr. Marco Palma, and discusses the work being done at the Human Behavior Lab at Texas A&M University. 00:03:37 - Understanding Human Behavior Marco explains the use of sensors in the lab to understand the drivers of human behavior, including attention, facial expressions, brain activity, and stress signals. 00:08:24 - Advancements in Experimentation Marco discusses the significant reduction in experiment time at the lab, allowing for more experiments and collaborations with outside partners to understand and measure human behavior more effectively. 00:09:09 - Application of Research The application of research in menu optimization and advertising is highlighted, focusing on driving attention, simplifying messaging, and utilizing incentives to influence consumer behavior. 00:12:17 - Importance of Simplifying Messaging Marco emphasizes the importance of simplifying messaging to ensure that the intended benefits are effectively communicated and perceived by consumers. 00:13:39 - The Power of Anchoring in Pricing Marco explains how anchoring influences purchasing decisions in fancy restaurants and wine tasting settings, guiding consumers towards higher-priced items. 00:14:13 - Eye Tracking and Consumer Behavior Marco discusses the significance of eye tracking in understanding how people search for information on a computer screen, in a menu, and other settings, guiding them through what businesses want them to see. 00:17:23 - Establishing Causality in Laboratory Experiments The importance of controlling details in laboratory experiments to establish causality is emphasized, allowing for a better understanding of behavior in real-world settings. 00:21:48 - Self-Control, Cheating, and Generosity Marco shares upcoming research areas on self-control, cheating, and generosity, focusing on understanding behavior and drivers, such as goal setting, perceptions of large corporations, and fundraising campaigns. 00:25:25 - Promoting Competition Among Women The discussion shifts to promoting competition among high-ability women and addressing gender disparities in leadership roles, exploring potential strategies for changing perceptions and promoting competition. 00:27:24 - The Impact of Title Changes on Participation of Women Marco discusses how changing titles can promote the participation of women, demonstrating the potential for small changes to yield significant results in gender equality. 00:29:06 - Understanding the Brain's Relationship with Food Marco explains the importance of understanding our brain's relationship with food, particularly the reward system associated with sugar consumption and its impact on our modern diet and health. 00:31:29 - The Role of A&M in Research and Education Marco highlights the mission of Texas A&M University, emphasizing the importance of translating research into real-world applications and the value of formal education, research discovery, and entrepreneurship. 00:32:43 - Reflection on the Impact of the Human Behavior Lab Melina reflects on the significant impact of her connection to Marco and the Human Behavior Lab, citing examples of collaborations, research, and the launch of a certificate program in applied behavioral economics. 00:36:00 -  Conclusion, Melina's top insights from the conversation. What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.  I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation. Let’s connect: Melina@TheBrainyBusiness.com The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on Youtube Connect with Marco: Human Behavior Lab Website Human Behavior Lab on Instagram @HBLtamu on Twitter Learn and Support The Brainy Business: Check out and get your copies of Melina’s Books.  Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode: Marketing to Mindstates, Will Leach What Your Customer Wants and Can't Tell You, by Melina Palmer What Your Employees Need and Can't Tell You, by Melina Palmer The Truth About Pricing, by Melina Palmer The Why Axis, by John List and Uri Gneezy Top Recommended Next Episode: Check-In Dr. Marco Palma (ep 202) Already Heard That One? Try These:  Introducing the Certificate in Applied Behavioral Economics (ep 115) Marketing to Mindstates, with Will Leach (ep 88) The Brainy Health Benefits of Nature, with Jay Maddock (ep 203) Common Errors in Financial Decision Making, with Chuck Howard (ep 213) Framing (ep 296) Priming (ep 252) iMotions research (ep 352) Implicit Bias Testing with Keith Ewart (ep 183) Solving a Billion Pound Problem with Behavioral Science, with Benny Cheung (ep 140) 100 episodes 1 big insight (ep 100) Other Important Links:  Brainy Bites - Melina’s LinkedIn Newsletter Self-control: Knowledge or perishable resource? iMotions on Facebook iMotions Biometric Research Tobii Website Certificate in Applied Behavioral Economics (fully virtual!)

Explore the art and science of influence in marketing with Rory Sutherland as he discusses leveraging language, emotions, and small contextual changes to drive consumer behavior. Delve into the significance of unmet needs, the limitations of logic, and the role of evolutionary psychology in marketing strategies. Gain insights on balancing efficiency and resilience, rewards for exceptional customer service, and unconventional pathways to understanding human behavior through creative problem-solving and direct marketing experiments.

Explore how evolutionary thinking can outsmart competition with insights from organizational psychologist and advertising strategist, Sam Tatum. Delve into language's role in perception, the power of shared solutions, and practical problem-solving rooted in behavioral science principles.

In the episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Cass Sunstein, a renowned legal scholar and behavioral economist, joined host Melina Palmer to discuss his new book, Look Again, and the concept of habituation and its impact on decision-making. Cass' extensive work in government and with businesses has provided him with a deep understanding of human behavior, making his insights invaluable for business leaders and decision-makers. The conversation delved into the significance of habituation, exploring how individuals become less sensitive to stimuli over time.  Cass highlighted the value of exploration and exploitation in learning and decision-making, emphasizing the impact of emotions on behavior and the role of diversity in decision-making processes. The episode provides valuable insights into how businesses can apply behavioral economics principles to enhance decision-making processes, ultimately shaping choices presented to individuals and influencing behavior in beneficial ways. Cass’ expertise and perspectives make this episode a must-listen for business leaders seeking to understand and leverage human behavior insights for enhanced decision-making. In this episode: Understand the psychology behind decision-making for strategic advantage. Harness habituation to gain insights into customer perception and behavior. Appreciate the power of dishabituation for uncovering hidden opportunities. Master the balance between exploration and exploitation for effective learning. Leverage nudges to influence decision-making and drive positive outcomes. Show Notes: 00:00:00 - Introduction, Melina introduces Cass Sunstein, his background in behavioral economics, and his newest book Look Again. 00:04:26 - The power of habituation Cass explains the concept of habituation and its impact on how we perceive the world around us, using examples from everyday life. 00:06:15 - The importance of dishabituation Cass discusses the importance of dishabituation in appreciating the good things in life and addressing challenges, using examples from personal experiences and historical figures. 00:13:27 - Creativity and the Fosbury Flop Cass explores the concept of creativity and the importance of critical distance from existing practices, using the example of Olympic athlete Dick Fosbury and his innovative high jump technique. 00:15:56 - Fosbury Flop in Government Cass shares examples of how the Fosbury Flop concept has been applied in the government to drive innovation and improve efficiency, using specific policy examples. 00:16:36 - Creativity and Disruption Cass discusses how global entry and TSA precheck were developed by creative people, like disruptors who refuse to habituate and bring ideas from other areas. 00:17:43 - Exploration vs. Exploitation Cass explains the difference between exploiters and explorers, where exploiters stick to what they know, while explorers seek new experiences and habituate quickly. 00:21:07 - Bill Gates vs. Warren Buffett Cass shares how Bill Gates' wide-ranging reading list reflects an explorer, while Warren Buffett's focused recommendations align with an exploiter. 00:25:19 - Tips for Writing and Co-Authoring Cass advises to follow your excitement for a project, start writing even if it's difficult, and find co-authors who are enjoyable to work with and bring out the best in each other. 00:33:38 -  Conclusion, Melina's top insights from the conversation. What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.  I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation. Let’s connect: Melina@TheBrainyBusiness.com The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on Youtube Connect with Cass:  X  LinkedIn Learn and Support The Brainy Business: Check out and get your copies of Melina’s Books.  Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode: Look Again, Cass Sunstein and Tali Sharot Nudge, Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein Scarcity, Sendhil Mullainathan and Eldar Shafir  Possession, A.S. Byatt Radical Uncertainty, John Kay and Mervyn King Top Recommended Next Episode: Optimism Bias (ep 34) Already Heard That One? Try These:  Nudge (ep 35) Incentives (ep 272) Understanding Mapping (ep 294) Defaults (ep 38) Give Feedback (ep 40) Expect Error (ep 362) Sludge (ep 179) Normalcy Bias (ep 370) Habits (ep 256) Wendy Wood Interview (ep 127) Other Important Links:  Brainy Bites - Melina’s LinkedIn Newsletter  

In this episode of The Brainy Business podcast, Melina Palmer explores the concept of normalcy bias and its implications for decision-making. She provides compelling examples of how normalcy bias impacts individuals and industries, emphasizing the necessity of overcoming this mindset to foster adaptability and innovation. Melina underscores the significance of seizing virtual opportunities and leveraging behavioral economics for business success, urging her audience to consider the enduring value of maintaining virtual offerings.  Additionally, she addresses the perils of normalcy bias, emphasizing the need to acknowledge and confront the tendency to underestimate potential future challenges or changes. Melina teases an upcoming episode with Cass Sunstein, where the concept of normalcy bias will be thoroughly examined, offering listeners an exciting chance to gain further insights. This segment offers valuable insights on embracing change, capitalizing on virtual prospects, and challenging conventional norms, making it essential listening for business professionals seeking to enhance their decision-making acumen. In this episode: Recognize the impact of normalcy bias on decision-making processes. Utilize virtual opportunities to leverage behavioral economics for business growth. Enhance business success by maintaining virtual offerings in the current market landscape. Implement diversification strategies to mitigate risks and optimize business resilience. Address normalcy bias to improve decision-making and strategic planning. Show Notes: 00:00:00 - Introduction Melina introduces the concept of normalcy bias and its impact on decision-making during times of crisis or change. 00:03:02 - Impact of Normalcy Bias on Decision Making Melina discusses how normalcy bias affects decision-making, leading to complacency and resistance to change, using examples from different industries. 00:09:20 - Clinging to Normalcy in Times of Change Melina explores the tendency to cling to normalcy even when change is inevitable, and how this can hinder adaptability and innovation in businesses. 00:12:48 - Impact of Normalcy Bias on Financial Industry Melina provides an example of how normalcy bias affected decision-making in the financial industry, leading to missed opportunities and potential risks for businesses. 00:15:08 - Adapting to Change and Overcoming Normalcy Bias Melina shares insights on the need to adapt to change, prepare for unforeseen circumstances, and overcome normalcy bias for long-term business sustainability. 00:16:05 - Exploring New Opportunities Melina discusses the need to look for virtual opportunities, the importance of behavioral economics for business success, and the potential for adding new product lines accessible from home. 00:16:34 - Market Fit and Future Planning Melina emphasizes the importance of aligning with market needs, maintaining future sustainability, and considering brand continuity in business decisions. 00:17:25 - Diversification and Normalcy Bias Melina highlights the significance of diversification in business and the impact of normalcy bias on decision-making and problem-solving in the face of change. 00:18:09 - Underestimating Change Melina discusses how normalcy bias leads to underestimating the impact and duration of problems, and the need to regain sensitivity to notice both positive and negative aspects of life. 00:19:25 -  Conclusion Melina's top insights from the conversation. What stuck with you while listening to the episode? What are you going to try? Come share it with Melina on social media -- you'll find her as @thebrainybiz everywhere and as Melina Palmer on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Android. If you like what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and share what you liked about the show.  I hope you love everything recommended via The Brainy Business! Everything was independently reviewed and selected by me, Melina Palmer. So you know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you decide to shop from the links on this page (via Amazon or others), The Brainy Business may collect a share of sales or other compensation. Let’s connect: Melina@TheBrainyBusiness.com The Brainy Business® on Facebook The Brainy Business on Twitter The Brainy Business on Instagram The Brainy Business on LinkedIn Melina on LinkedIn The Brainy Business on Youtube Learn and Support The Brainy Business: Check out and get your copies of Melina’s Books.  Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode: Look Again, Cass Sunstein and Tali Sharot Sludge, Cass Sunstein Nudge, Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein Simpler, Cass Sunstein What Your Employees Need and Can't Tell You, Melina Palmer  Top Recommended Next Episode: Sludge (ep 179) Already Heard That One? Try These:  Nudge (ep 35) Optimism Bias (ep 34) Loss Aversion (ep 9) Availability Bias (ep 15) Time Discounting (ep 51) Herding (ep 19) Other Important Links:  Brainy Bites - Melina’s LinkedIn Newsletter Tali Sharot Ted Talk

Dr. Scott Rick explores the psychology of spending behavior, differences between tightwads and spendthrifts, impact of joint accounts on happiness, decision-making in relationships, benefits of merging finances, navigating backup plans, interview techniques, and excitement for the release of a book on tightwads and spendthrifts.