Pedro Arantes
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People Systematically Overlook Subtractive Changes

When faced with a problem, people tend to prefer solutions that add new elements rather than removing elements, even if removing is the more efficient solution.
#andrew-h-hales
Zettelkasten, April 23rd, 2021.

Notes

  • When faced with a problem, people tend to prefer solutions that add new elements rather than removing elements, even if removing is the more efficient solution.

  • It can be considered as a system mental model because it explains how our mind works.

  • Experiments show that people tend to consider subtracting more if cues are given or if they had more time and opportunities to analyze the problem.

    • Subtractive solutions take more effort to find.
  • Other reasons for this effect.

    • People tend to continue investing in things for which time, money or effort has already been spent, the sunk cost bias.

    • Greater likelihood that additive solutions will be appreciated.

References

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