Predictably Irrational

The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions

By: Dan Ariely

Narrated by: Simon Jones

Length: 7 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

Why do our headaches persist after taking a one-cent aspirin but disappear when we take a 50-cent aspirin? Why does recalling the 10 Commandments reduce our tendency to lie, even when we couldn't possibly be caught? Why do we splurge on a lavish meal but cut coupons to save 25 cents on a can of soup? Why do we go back for second helpings at the unlimited buffet, even when our stomachs are already full? And how did we ever start spending $4.15 on a cup of coffee when, just a few years ago, we used to pay less than a dollar?

When it comes to making decisions in our lives, we think we're in control. We think we're making smart, rational choices. But are we? In a series of illuminating, often surprising experiments, MIT behavioral economist Dan Ariely refutes the common assumption that we behave in fundamentally rational ways. Blending everyday experience with groundbreaking research, Ariely explains how expectations, emotions, social norms, and other invisible, seemingly illogical forces skew our reasoning abilities.

Not only do we make astonishingly simple mistakes every day, but we make the same types of mistakes, Ariely discovers. We consistently overpay, underestimate, and procrastinate. We fail to understand the profound effects of our emotions on what we want, and we overvalue what we already own. Yet these misguided behaviors are neither random nor senseless. They're systematic and predictable - making us predictably irrational.

From drinking coffee to losing weight, from buying a car to choosing a romantic partner, Ariely explains how to break through these systematic patterns of thought to make better decisions. Predictably Irrational will change the way we interact with the world - one small decision at a time.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©2008 Dan Ariely (P)2008 HarperCollins Publishers

Recommended!

Very well written and narrated, filled with curious data. Although a few studies may sound refutable, I believe it's a very well-done job. All and all that's what's science is about: instigation. Definitely worthwhile!

Good book - if a little repetative

Very interesting subject and well presented - could have been a little quicker to get to the point but I managed to get to the end.

Very good reading!

Predictably perfect

I enjoyed this book a lot. I love the style how author thinks. I highly recommend this book to everybody.

an entertaining and cohesive look at our decisions

a fun and interesting book that points out at our flawed and often automated choices we make. highly recomemded.

Insightful

Make no mistake, this is a seminar type work. You will learn something about human behavior, but it is almost textbook learning. Stick with it.

excelent book

ive never read or listen any other social studies book before. it was very interesting and entertain

Super interesting, and great performance!

Really interesting insight into human behavior and the everyday irrational economic behaviors we engage in. Would be a rare book that I would listen to multiple times in the same year. Narrator is superb.

Much to Think About

Dan Ariely provides opportunities for self introspection.
One or two listens will positively impact those of us who are apt to irrationality in our daily decision making. Ariely, gives readers an opportunity to heal from procrastination and its vices.

Acme of psychology

Instead of focusing on the Myers Briggs testing the psychology behind this book should be taught more extensively. The amount of science behind the wording of signs/advertisements has a substantial impact on individuals subconscious is quite baffling. It's not always about what the facts are or what products are available. It's about how to reach out effectively to the potential customers. The author has actually completed the research that he's presenting to the reader. It's not like a college class where the professor is rambling on about something they only know from the books. The research stories have a comical side as to what people have done and the way the author presents it. Definitely something to read for the business and psychology world to have some more insight in.

An amazing way to learn behavioral economics

An amazing way to learn behavioral economics. I love the insights and the stories. A lot of tips to have a better understanding of human behavior