Posted: Dec 12, 2010 3:35 pm
How to Improve Your Self-Control (link courtesy of Chairman Bill)
and an interesting book I'm reading: Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions , by MIT behavioral economist Dan Ariely.
A couple of other books that may be of interest:
Robert Cialdini, Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion
Elliot Aronson, The Social Animal
and an interesting book I'm reading: Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions , by MIT behavioral economist Dan Ariely.
Irrational behavior is a part of human nature, but as MIT professor Ariely has discovered in 20 years of researching behavioral economics, people tend to behave irrationally in a predictable fashion. Drawing on psychology and economics, behavioral economics can show us why cautious people make poor decisions about sex when aroused, why patients get greater relief from a more expensive drug over its cheaper counterpart and why honest people may steal office supplies or communal food, but not money. According to Ariely, our understanding of economics, now based on the assumption of a rational subject, should, in fact, be based on our systematic, unsurprising irrationality. Ariely argues that greater understanding of previously ignored or misunderstood forces (emotions, relativity and social norms) that influence our economic behavior brings a variety of opportunities for reexamining individual motivation and consumer choice, as well as economic and educational policy.
A couple of other books that may be of interest:
Robert Cialdini, Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion
Arguably the best book ever on what is increasingly becoming the science of persuasion. Whether you're a mere consumer or someone weaving the web of persuasion to urge others to buy or vote for your product, this is an essential book for understanding the psychological foundations of marketing. Recommended.
Elliot Aronson, The Social Animal
A landmark text that maintains its relevance and unique approach edition after edition, The Social Animal offers a brief, compelling introduction to modern social psychology. Through vivid narrative, lively presentations of important research, and intriguing examples, Elliot Aronson probes the patterns and motives of human behavior, covering such diverse topics as terrorism, conformity, obedience, politics, race relations, advertising, war, interpersonal attraction, and the power of religious cults.