Uncertain Times: How We Make Decisions When We Don't Know What's Coming

PsyberSpace: Understand Your World

Navigating Uncertainty: Understanding Its Impact on Decision Making

In this episode of PsyberSpace, host Leslie Poston digs into the complexities of uncertainty and its effects on decision-making. Leslie explores the psychological and physiological responses to uncertainty, including the role of the amygdala and the concept of Intolerance of Uncertainty (IU). The discussion encompasses cognitive biases like the availability heuristic and ambiguity aversion, and the differential impact of uncertainty across various demographics, including cultural, genetic, and socioeconomic factors. Strategies for improving decision-making under uncertainty are presented, such as leveraging system one and system two thinking, scenario planning, mental simulation, and decision hygiene. The episode concludes with practical advice on building tolerance for uncertainty and making more informed decisions amidst life's lack of predictability.

00:00 Introduction to Uncertainty
01:54 The Brain's Response to Uncertainty
02:47 Psychological and Physical Manifestations
03:38 Information Overload and Decision Making
04:51 Cognitive Biases and Heuristics
08:11 Neural Mechanisms and Lifespan Changes
10:19 Chronic Uncertainty and Societal Impacts
17:22 Improving Decision Making Under Uncertainty
20:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Marchau, V., Walker, W., Bloemen, P., & Popper, S. (2019). Decision Making un...