Intuitive Decision Making explores the fascinating realm of social intuition, examining the cognitive underpinnings of our instant judgments and choices in social contexts. It delves into how we quickly assess trustworthiness or navigate social dynamics, often without conscious awareness. The book highlights that while these intuitive decisions are generally efficient, they are also susceptible to biases. For instance, confirmation bias can lead us to selectively notice information that confirms our existing beliefs, while the availability heuristic makes us overestimate the importance of information that is easily recalled.
This book uniquely bridges theoretical research with practical applications, offering actionable strategies to refine our social intuition. Beginning with a foundation in cognitive science, including dual-process theory, the progression of chapters explores nonverbal communication, emotional intelligence, and various social heuristics. It then dissects common biases affecting social judgments, providing real-world examples and empirical studies. Finally, it presents techniques like mindfulness and emotional regulation to enhance intuitive judgment, ultimately discussing the ethical considerations involved in developing social intuition.
By understanding the cognitive science behind social intuition, individuals can improve decision-making, build stronger relationships, and navigate complex social interactions more effectively. The book's approach aims to make these concepts accessible to both researchers and practitioners, offering a valuable guide to understanding and improving intuitive social decision-making.
