5．
阅读理解
We like to believe
that before we make a decision, most of the time, we take time to consider all
the facts carefully. However, Experts believe that only 5 % of our decisions
are based on a rational(理性的) thought
process. So, what influences our decision-making process?
We often leave
decision-making to our instincts(本能). Scientists
have found out that if we had the choice, we like to avoid pain rather than
get something. In fact, we're twice as happy when we try to avoid a bad
situation than when we experience a good one. This is why when companies send
ads, they use phrases like "How to avoid…", "Don't
miss out!", etc.
There are also
physical reasons that affect our decision-making. Psychologist (心理学家)John Bargh carried on an experiment where people were asked what
they thought of a fictional person, while holding a cold or a hot cup of coffee.
Those holding the hot cup believed the person to be warmer and more sociable
than those holding the cold cup. So, when temperatures rise, the more likely we
are to believe in strangers.
Stress is another
thing which affects our decisions. Different situations are more or less stressful
for different people. Researchers have found, though, that women are more
conservative(保守的)about decisions when
stressed, while men are to make riskier choices.
It may come as a
surprise but every day from the minute we get up, we have to make countless decisions,
like what to wear, what coffee to have and so on. Each choice makes our brain a
little bit more tired, and this affects our decision-making. That's why
important people, like presidents wear the same three suits all the time, wanting
to limit the small choices and spend more brain power on the bigger ones.
