When Happy Met Healthy
Adjacent possibility theory describes how small alterations can achieve great impact. It is argued that by mapping the current dispositional state of a population, and identifying patterns of behaviour that are adjacent but more desirable to the current, individuals can be directed to a more achievable alternative. This gradual approach to change is thought to be…
What is Motivation?
Whilst willpower is considered as an essential tool with which to maintain effortful, goal-directed behaviour, it is equally important to address how such behaviour can be initially motivated. When an individual is first faced with the task of changing their behaviour, motivation may appear a slippery commodity. Moreover, encouraging populations to become motivated in the…
The Particular Importance of Keeping Cold
Dual-process theory describes the existence of two decision-making systems; the evaluative, rational ‘cold’ and the impulsive, instinctive ‘hot’. Cognitive bias can influence both systems, however we are more likely to employ bias when the cold system is compromised, given its lower effort requirement as a decision-making tool. Although cognitive biases can help us to make…
Out of Time vs. Out of Touch
Dual-process theory describes the existence of two systems, which largely dictate how we make decisions. The complications and complexities of modern life often mean that our resource-dependent ‘cold’ system can become overwhelmed – we simply don’t have the cognitive capacity to make decision after decision in a rational manner. Cognitive biases refer to mental representations which…
Why Do We Do One Thing and Say Another?
Throughout history, our behaviour has been dominated by an innate drive for survival. Often our strongest desires are also the ones that are the oldest evolutionarily; the congenital impulses that will aid our ability to reproduce and pass on our genes to the next generation. Over time, the brain has developed and evolved to enable…