#11: No Two Ways About It

Adding an extra dose of behavioral science to your week with our series In a Nutshell— a collection of behavioral science principles, explained in 150 words or less, written weekly by CUBIC director Allison Zelkowitz.

Would you call yourself a “binary thinker,” someone who sees only two sides, such as right or wrong, or us vs. them?

I’m guessing you’d say, “Of course not!”

However, research reveals that people systematically demonstrate a “binary bias” meaning our brains (unconsciously) sort information into two opposite categories. As explained on No Stupid Questions, this mental shortcut helps us rapidly process information, and decide whether or not we will act. Podcast host Stephen Dubner describes how this helped early humans survive: “You’re walking across the savannah... and you hear a rustle in the grass. Do you run? Do you not run?”

 However, in today’s world, binary thinking can lead to oversimplification, polarization, and stifled creativity.  To reduce it, we can:

• Recognize this bias in ourselves (and others)

• Practice perspective-taking and seek alternative views and options

• Embrace ambiguity, “grey areas,” and uncertainty as normal aspects of life