The NYT reprised a survey and article from Psychology Today about the irrationality of intuition. In this age of terrorism, elections, judgment (and juries) I think it is imperitive that we keep studying how, when and IF our "guts" are telling us the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
I am reminded of my response when the smoke alarm used to go off in a previous house. Was there REALLY a fire? Had the neighbors been barbecuing (again) upwind? Did the batteries need replacing? You don't have to dial 911 EVERY time, if you understand the real problem, rather than "just the alarm."
Ten ways we get things wrongHow good is your grasp of risk?
1. What's more common in the United States, (a) suicide or (b) homicide?
2. What's the more frequent cause of death in the United States, (a) pool drowning or (b) falling out of bed?
3. What are the top five causes of accidental death in America, following motor-vehicle accidents, and which is the biggest one?
4. Of the top two causes of nonaccidental death in America, (a) cancer and (b) heart disease, which kills more women? 5. What are the next three causes of nonaccidental death in the United States?
6. Which has killed more Americans, bird flu or mad cow disease?
7. How many Americans die from AIDS every year, (a) 12,995, (b) 129,950, or (c) 1,299,500?
8. How many Americans die from diabetes every year? (a) 72,820, (b) 728,200, or (c) 7,282,000?
9. Which kills more Americans, (a) appendicitis or (b) salmonella?
10. Which kills more Americans, (a) pregnancy and childbirth or (b) malnutrition?
ANSWERS (all refer to number of Americans per year, on average):
1. a
2. a
3. In order: drug overdose, fire, choking, falling down stairs, bicycle accidents
4. b
5. In order: stroke, respiratory disease, diabetes
6. No American has died from either one
7. a
8. a
9. a
10. b
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Division of Vital Statistics)
National Transportation Safety Board
Psychology Today Magazine, Jan/Feb 2008Last Reviewed 28 Dec 2007Article ID: 4495
No comments:
Post a Comment