Week 3 of things I Googled:

1) Why were “nudges” created?

First, nudge theory as defined by Richard Thaler:

“…any aspect of the choice architecture that alters people's behavior in a predictable way without forbidding any options or significantly changing their economic incentives. To count as a mere nudge, the intervention must be easy and cheap to avoid. Nudges are not mandates. Putting fruit at eye level counts as a nudge. Banning junk food does not.”

There are a lot of explanations for this, but the synopsis is this: nudges were created because of badly designed products, experiences, or services. If the right choice architecture is created in the first place, and the product/service/experience has a strong value proposition, the nudge is not needed. So basically, we’re putting band-aids on things that need solutions for long-term behavior change. (See websites for government programs, incentives, etc.)

2) What is metacognition?

The awareness and understanding of one’s own thought processes. I guess that’s how we got here, really. In the process of documenting my questions, thoughts, and findings- I’m also trying to understand why I think and process things the way I do. Metacognition is linked to improved learning outcomes, people who understand their learning process are more motivated, in control, and may learn more deeply.

3) What is the difference between social science and psychology?

Social science is the broader field of study regarding human behavior, psychology is a subgroup within that.

Why did I ask this question? Barnes and Noble. I will never understand the way they separate genres, and it drives me insane… to the point of questioning my own understanding of what psychology is.

5) Why do I have my best ideas in the shower?

Some people think better at night, some think better in bed, some people have their best ideas when they’re running. The key to ideation and creativity? Relaxation.

The more relaxed you are, the more likely you are to think creatively, freely, and allow your brain to make “unusual” connections between things which can help with problem solving.